Earth’s Changing Surface: Weathering, Erosion & Deposition Unit | MS Earth Science

Click on this link to download a preview of Earth's Changing Surface unit.

This unit is included in the Earth Science Curriculum 5E Model.

Teach weathering, soil formation, erosion, deposition, and glacial processes with this comprehensive Earth’s Changing Surface Unit designed for middle school Earth science.

This complete unit includes full lessons, notes, interactive notebook activities, labs, quizzes, stations, task cards, and assessments—everything you need for a zero-prep, high-engagement study of how Earth’s surface changes over time.

Perfect for grades 6–8, this resource helps students master mechanical and chemical weathering, wind, water, and ice erosion, deposition processes, and the real-world forces that shape landscapes.

Aligned to NGSS Middle School Earth Science (MS-ESS2) for Earth’s processes, surface changes, and cycling of materials.

⭐ What’s Included

• PowerPoints for
  • Weathering
  • Soil Formation
  • Erosion & Deposition: Wind & Water
  • Erosion & Deposition: Glaciers
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook Activities (print + digital)
• Mini-Quizzes + Digital Assessments
• Teacher Demo: Factors of Weathering Rates
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Agents of Weathering
• Science Stations (STEM Challenge Included)
• Task Cards (print + digital)
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• 10-day pacing guide
• Answer keys included for everything

⭐ Key Concepts Covered

• Mechanical & chemical weathering
• Weathering rates & influencing factors
• Soil formation, profiles & composition
• Erosion by wind, water & gravity
• Stream erosion, sediment transport & deposition
• Glacial erosion & features (moraines, U-shaped valleys, till)
• Deposition patterns and landform creation
• Forces that shape Earth's surface over time

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Unit

• Clear, engaging explanations of complex concepts
• Hands-on labs help students SEE weathering and erosion in action
• Zero prep — lessons, notes, labs, stations & assessments all included
• Perfect for NGSS-aligned Earth science programs
• Flexible print + digital format
• Strong combination of content knowledge + inquiry learning

⭐ Ideal For

• Middle School Earth Science
• Weathering & erosion units
• Changing landscapes/surface processes
• NGSS MS-ESS2
• Interactive notebook classrooms
• Blended and station-based instruction

⭐ Pacing Guide – Earth’s Changing Surface (10 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – Factors of Weathering Rates; Section 1 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 2: Section 1 Mini-Quiz; Section 2 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 3: Section 2 Mini-Quiz; Guided Inquiry Lab – Agents of Weathering
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Section 4 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 6: Section 4 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 7: Science Stations
Day 8: Creation Station Final Draft + Testing (STEM Challenge)
Day 9: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 10: Chapter Assessment

Copyright © NGS Magnified, LLC. All rights reserved by author Dr. Erica Colón.  All NGS Magnified curriculum is creative property of Erica Colón and cannot be resold or distributed.  This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.