Will a mountain last forever?

Weathering & Erosion
4.8 (25757 reviews)
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
Scroll for prep
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DISCUSS:
Here’s a close-up of one of the trees before they removed it. What do you think is going on here? What do you think happened to the pyramid?
treebeforeremoval

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DISCUSS:

Has anyone ever told you not to put a can of soda in the freezer? Why do you think people say this?

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DISCUSS:

Can you think of some experiments you could do to figure out what happens to a rock as it tumbles downhill?

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Demonstration: The Mighty Beans

beansbefore

Use dried beans to demonstrate the power of seeds. Put beans into a paper or plastic cup until it’s about one quarter full. Add water until all the beans are completely covered. Set another cup on top, and add pennies (or other weights) so the cup presses down on the beans. Make a line with a marker to show the cup’s position.

Wait an hour, then check on your beans. (For the “after” photo, see next slide.)

Demonstration: The Mighty Beans (after)

beansafter

Dried beans are seeds — you can plant them and grow a bean plant. When you add water to dried dried beans, they start soaking up the water and swelling as they get ready to grow.

This is the first step in root wedging -- getting bigger and pushing against the surrounding rock. The beans in this cup lifted the weight of many pennies when they swelled.

Slide Image
Slide Image

mountain


1 of 8

a high area of land with steep sides
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weathering


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the process of breaking rocks into smaller pieces
Slide Image

root wedging


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a process where a root growing causes rock to break apart
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freeze


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when a liquid turns into a solid, such as when water turns to ice
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ice wedging


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a process where water freezing and expanding causes rock to break apart

erosion


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when tiny bits of rock are moved from one location to another by water, wind, ice, or gravity
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model


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a pretend version of something that scientists use when the real thing is too big, small, or complicated to work with
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experiment


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a test used to discover new information about a question

Image & Video Credits

Mystery Science respects the intellectual property rights of the owners of visual assets. We make every effort to use images and videos under appropriate licenses from the owner or by reaching out to the owner to get explicit permission. If you are the owner of a visual and believe we are using it without permission, please contact us—we will reply promptly and make things right.

Lesson Image
El Capitan by Octagon , used under CC BY
Exploration
Everest by Luca Galuzzi , used under CC BY-SA
space view by NASA
Halfdome by Scott Catron , used under CC BY-SA
Mt. San Jacinto by Wattewyl , used under CC BY
Great Pyramid of Giza by Wknight94 , used under CC BY-SA
Chichen Itza by Christine Zenino , used under CC BY
light brick wall by Titus Tscharntke
Complejo Danta by Ronyrocael , used under CC BY-SA
El Mirador by Geoff Gallice , used under CC BY
Copan ruins by Matthias Hiltner , used under CC BY
Puna lava flow by DVIDSHUB , used under CC BY
Annona Atemoya seeds by takoradee , used under CC BY-SA
cement texture by Titus Tscharntke
El Tigre pyramid by Dennis Jarvis , used under CC BY-SA
Temple of Nohoch Mul by Vin Crosbie , used under CC BY-ND
pavement by Simon Law , used under CC BY-SA
sidewalk & tree roots by Doug Caldwell , used under CC BY
cracked brick wall by debs-eye , used under CC BY
refrigerator by Juan de Vojníkov , used under CC BY-SA
soda can by Ryan McGilchrist , used under CC BY-SA
frozen soda can by William Brawley , used under CC BY
explosion in freezer by mrsparks , used under CC BY-SA
frozen bottle by baronsquirrel , used under CC BY
broken rock by Till Niermann , used under CC BY-SA
weathered rock by Natursicilia , used under CC BY-SA
rock parts by Lamiot , used under CC BY
Mount Hood by Thomas Shahan , used under CC BY
Mont Saint Honorat by Zil , used under CC BY-SA
jagged rocks by Peretz Partensky , used under CC BY-SA
Nuna Island by Kim Hansen , used under CC BY-SA
Activity
horses by Ben Salter , used under CC BY
pencil by Charm
Other
pebble beach by Paul Allison , used under CC BY-SA
Credits
Will a mountain last forever?
Weathering & Erosion
4.8 (25757 reviews)

Featured Reviews

“The kids loved shaking the sugar cubes and easily made connections to their learning. ”
· Carmen · Teacher
“The activity was awesome! It really demonstrated how rocks erode.”
· Terri · Teacher
“Awesome lesson. Really demonstrated how weathering and erosion take place over time. ”
· David · Teacher
“This was an awesome lesson, and my students enjoyed shaking the cubes. The directions allowed me to keep everyone at the same spot.”
· Stacie · Teacher
“We had so many great discussions about the power of water, seeds, erosion, and so much more! Great lesson!”
· Jennifer · Homeschooler
“The best part was the experiment. When the students saw how the sugar cubes where changing their shape then they had a better understanding of what happens to a mountain.”
· Miriam · Teacher
“Students were engaged and excited when they could physically see what was happening after each time the sugar cubes were shaken! ”
· Katie · Teacher
“The children loved seeing the pyramids and the effects of the trees growing through, around, etc. Doing the sugar cube experiment was especially fun and they actually got to see the changes made in the cubes and relate it to rocks.”
· Linda · Teacher
“Great lesson! My entire class of 29 students was engaged from start to end. Easy to follow instructions.”
· Jade · Teacher
“My students loved the activity. They really liked the experiment. The videos were informative too. This has been one of my class's favorite experiments. ”
· Olivia · Teacher
“Shaking the cubes and seeing what happened, also being ok being wrong in predictions - we all make mistakes.”
· Rebekah · Homeschooler
“My students really liked comparing the shaken cubes to the one left out, they could see how the edges become rounded and "eroded". Much more fun than dragging out the rock tumbler and waiting days for a result!”
· · Teacher
“The students LOVED that their predictions were no where near the actual results. ...And they were okay with it!”
· Staci · Teacher
“We loved this mystery! The students enjoyed brainstorming experiments, and were very scientific while completing sugar shake. Mystery Science continues to be an asset as it keeps the students excited about learning.”
· Marie · Teacher
“Absolutely love your website & service so far! The kids loved the intro lesson with the videos and discussion questions. Then we did the Sugar Shake today and they had a blast. Love the step-by-step video instructions, and the easy to do experiment. Keep the topics coming!!!”
· Victoria · Teacher
“I loved the video that helped give background knowledge and allowed them to share their ideas with each other. Very interactive! Gave the students a sense of how rocks can break down due to erosion.”
· Andrea · Teacher
“It's always awesome with Mystery Science! The kids love it and I do too! ”
· Alison · Teacher
“The kids loved sugar shake and understood the concept of erosion. ”
· Crystal · Teacher
“This was a great hands-on lesson for getting the point across AND the wiggles out! We substituted what we had on-hand (M&Ms) and were still able see the effect of "weathering."”
· Julie · Homeschooler
“LOADS of "connections" for our weathering focus.”
· Sharon · Teacher
“the extended lesson with beans made a huge impact”
· Diane · Teacher
“Kids liked the sugar shaking and it was well structured with partners switching off tasks.”
· Alisha · Teacher
“They loved to watch the erosion first hand. The activities are engaging but the follow up activities are just a great.”
· Jodi · Teacher
“I loved the idea of marking the edges of the sugar cube. This really helped the students see the weathering that was taking place.”
· Darcie · Teacher
“The stopping for discussion questions. We also took it a step farther by designing our own experiments for rock tumbling - engineering! I love how clear and focused the lesson/narration are, and how they relate to the slides, videos and photos. The step by step directions for the activity are phenomenal and get my students engaged and thinking about the content. Keep the NGSS related lessons coming!!! Thanks.”
· Michelle · Teacher
“I like the lessons because they are very hands-on, and the students also have to get into the habit of recording their observations as they go, and then use that data to answer questions.The videos are awesome too! We replayed the landslides in the next lesson over and over again.”
· Amy · Teacher
“Students made great conclusions about the process of erosion. They loved the sugar shake. I was impressed with how much learning took place.”
· Karen · Teacher
“The sugar shake was the best part!!! They loved it and it made the experience SO memorable!”
· Christa · Teacher
“The step by step directions were perfect. The video complimented the work we were doing in class on the processes which shape the Earth.”
· Atra · Teacher
“This is the best site ever! My students were completely engaged and even I learned quite a bit. I'm looking forward to more and more units. Great real life video and I love the experiments and open endedness that's given to the students.”
· · Teacher
“The lesson was super engaging, the kids really enjoyed the experiment. This lesson, like others got my kids interacting more with each other more than they do in other subject areas. ”
· Lorenzo · Teacher
“I can't get over how attentive the kids are during these lessons. ”
· Brittany · Teacher
“The kids loved shaking the "rocks" and were able to make great connections to the learning in other parts of the day. Over recess, they brought in rocks and we tried to determine whether they were top of the mountain or bottom of the mountain rocks. ”
· Tarehna · Teacher
“My students loved the experiment! Once again simple prep and it created inquisitive students! Thanks!”
· Laura · Teacher
“The visuals were easy to unstand, complex enough but not cluttered. The story was interesting and slow moving enough for the kiddos to grasp the concepts. All of my students were successful, from my lowest achievers to my most talented thinkers.”
· Patti · Teacher
“The kids loved the activity! Very simple, yet effective.”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“I loved how it brought you through the activity step by step and showed video that would replay of how to do each step. Some of my students really needed that visual. My students loved it!! They were very engaged and excited :) ”
· Kristina · Teacher
“This was my time using Mystery Science, and it was a great experience. Students scored better on my assessment and were more engaged throughout the entire lesson. I will be using this resource far more often in the future. ”
· Seth · Teacher
“The students loved every activity in this unit. They were spot on with what needed to be taught and everything was right there, the clips, guides, assessments. Awesome!”
· Loni · Teacher
“Wow! Great visual with the sugar cubes! It was loud, exciting, and highly engaging! We LOVED it!!!”
· Holly · Teacher
“I really liked the activity and the question it posed to the kids. It did a great job of leading the kids to think about how they could have changed or adapted the experiment.”
· Kathy · Teacher
“Students were engaged throughout the whole lesson. I love the ease of planning and gathering materials for this unit!”
· Donna · Teacher
“This resource is AMAZING! Truly grab n'go. My students learned so much and had a great time.”
· Anne · Teacher
“I am in love with Mystery Science! You guys are awesome!!!!”
· Jenny · Teacher
“Hearing the students discuss the various changes occurring with their sugar cubes and making comparisons to what must happen to real rocks. ”
· Jenifer · Teacher
“One of our favorite lessons yet! The kids were so excited about root and ice wedging they wanted to go right outside to find examples of that in our own yard and driveway. The sugar cube experiment was a huge hit. Thanks for another fun and educational science lesson!”
· Kira · Homeschooler
“So detailed - the instructions for the activity were very specific - just like I would have given! LOVE it!”
· Natalie · Teacher
“The kids totally understood that the sugar cubes were standing in for real rocks, and that the action of shaking them should mimic the motion of rocks tumbling down a mountainside. They decided they should all shake up and down, because that was closer to what a real rock would do coming down the mountain. I didn't expect that strong of a connection, but they got it on their own! I feel like they are becoming scientific thinkers and I love it!”
· Monica · Teacher
“The students were actively involved. They loved the SUgar Shake! The Yosemite video left quite an impression on my third graders. This Mystery was great to show the scientific method in practice. We intend to use more of these lessons!”
· Sally · Teacher
“The best part was the gasp of realization that the cracks in our sidewalks are caused by root wedging. The students couldn't stay quiet in line the next time we walked to another part of the school, pointing out the trees nearby as the culprits of the sidewalk cracks!”
· Amelia · Teacher
“It came down to the activity tying all the complex ideas together. Super engaging and clearly demonstrated the answer to the question that mountains can't last forever. My students are loving these lessons, well organized with integrated technology as well as tons of extension and reading materials. ”
· Kelly · Teacher
“LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! SO MUCH LEARNING! They are off to try it with rocks and sugar, rocks and croutons, and go outside to look for rock slides like Yosemite National Park. We live in the Piedmont! We can take Skyline Drive and look rock slides... I'm scared with that windy road right under the mountain sides. ”
· Samantha · Homeschooler
“Finally! My students were able to see how root/ice wedging work. It is such a difficult concept to explain or find visuals for, but this mystery has perfect visuals built in! I have never had more engagement, at any given time I had 15+ hands in the air!”
· Kara · Teacher
“It makes it so much easier to understand the scientific method. I need to teach my second class now.”
· Susan · Teacher
“A smart way to represent erosion and weathering. A lesson the students will always remember.”
· Erica · Teacher
“Awesome Lesson. Could of definitely had this as a back up emergency lesson it was SO fail proof! LOVED IT!! ”
· Laura · Teacher
“Great visuals and wonderful explanations. I love the advice to go out and see seed wedging in action.”
· Niesha · Homeschooler
“I am continually impressed by the lessons on Mystery Science. My children are fully engaged in the lessons each time. I didn't expect my children to like brainstorming because its not as hands on. They really got into their creative mode and had of fun!”
· Katrina · Homeschooler
“Inquiry throughout! My students were engaged, and loved the sugar cube exploration!”
· Kara · Teacher
“Fabulous! The timing of the videos, the vocabulary used,and the facts. My students are psyched to do it again. ”
· Tammy · Teacher
“As a former science teacher, now homeschooling my son, I am LOVING these lessons! The science is solid, and the content is engaging. My son loves it (especially when my hypothesis was "wrong" he loves explaining to me why I was wrong lol). He's learning a lot, and having fun, too!”
· Erin · Homeschooler
“Awesome~! Love that it doesn't cost a lot to do these experiments and they are step by step! So teacher friendly. One of the best sites I have found in 25 years of teaching Elem Science.”
· Michelle · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students will explore how solid rock breaks apart into smaller pieces through a process called weathering (including root-wedging and ice-wedging). In the activity, Sugar Shake, students use sugar cubes as a model for rocks. They perform an experiment with this model to understand the process of weathering and how this process explains why rocks at the tops of mountains are jagged, while those at the bottom are rounded.
Preview activity

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Student slideshow: English | Spanish

Teacher printout: English & Spanish

I have a Mystery Pack

Sugar Shake Data worksheet 1 per student
Markers
Washable. Do not use permanent marker.
Details
2 markers per pair
Paper Plates
1 plate per pair
Plastic Containers w/ Lids
1 container per pair
Sugar Cubes
5 cubes per pair
Prep Instructions

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Each pair of students will experiment with 5 sugar cubes. You may want to count out 5 sugar cubes and place each on a paper plate prior to class for easier distribution.

Standards

Jump to

Exploration

20 mins

Hands-On Activity

45 mins

Extend this lesson

Unit Reading

Unit Reading

5 Facts About Volcanoes That Will Make Your Brain Explode (Not Really)

In this reading, students learn 5 fascinating facts about volcanoes.

Video

Video

A 10-minute video from Yosemite National Park shows what happens when rocks break off a steep slope.

Activities

Activities

  • Activity Extension: Add to your Sugar Shake experiment by mixing in softer and harder “rocks.” In the Sugar Shake experiment, you are modeling a situation where identical rocks are tumbling together. You can see what happens when rocks of different types are bumping into each other by adding croutons (softer, more breakable “rocks”) and/or dried beans (harder, less breakable “rocks” to the container before you shake it. How does the addition of other "rocks" affect the changes in the sugar cubes? How do the croutons and beans change with your shaking?

  • Activity: Take your class for a walk in your schoolyard and look for plants that have taken root where they don’t belong. You may find grass growing in cracks in a sidewalk or plants sprouting between stones or bricks in a wall. The roots of these plants are ever-so-slowly expanding the cracks in which they grow. Just as the plants on the side of a mountain break rocks apart, the plants in your schoolyard are breaking the sidewalk and the stone walls.

  • Demonstration: Show that seeds can lift weights.

Transcripts

Download this Lesson to your device so you can play it offline:
Credits
 
Rocks Lesson 3: Will a mountain last forever?

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