Virginia SOL 5.8.d

Science5th GradeEarth and Space Systems

The Standard

processes such as weathering, erosion, and deposition change the surface of the Earth

Virginia Standards of Learning for Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify how rock breaks into sediment, how sediment moves, and where it settles. They explain how water, wind, ice, and gravity reshape land over time.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students correctly label weathering, erosion, and deposition in a model, photograph, or short scenario. They use evidence to explain the sequence of changes to a landform.
Common Misconceptions: Students often confuse weathering with erosion, or think the terms mean the same thing. They may think deposition destroys sediment instead of leaving it in a new place.
How to Assess It: Give students a picture of a river carrying sediment toward a delta. Ask them to label one example each of weathering, erosion, and deposition, then explain their choices.

Lesson moves

Build a stream table with sand, gravel, and poured water, then mark where material breaks away, moves, and collects.
Show a photo of a weathered cliff and ask, “What changed, what moved, and where might the pieces go?”
Give teams scenario cards to sort under weathering, erosion, or deposition, then have them defend one disputed choice.
Examine photos of a local creek bank after rain and identify where soil was removed, transported, and deposited.

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