Modeling Landform Formation Activities for 5th Grade Science

This geology science unit for 5th grade focuses on how wind, water, and ice shape Earth’s surface to form landforms like deltas, canyons, and sand dunes. It includes editable PowerPoints, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments. The lesson follows the 5E model—Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation—and aligns with TEKS 5.10C. 

In the Exploration phase, students engage in differentiated, student-led station labs. These include nine stations offering multimodal learning methods: “Explore It!” (hands-on demo), “Read It!” (differentiated reading), “Research It!” (web research), and “Watch It!” (video and discussion). Output stations include activities like card sorts, writing prompts, and illustrations. A bonus “Challenge It!” station offers extension activities for early finishers.

In the Explanation phase, students use editable PowerPoints and interactive notebooks in English and Spanish. Elaboration includes student-choice projects to extend learning, and Evaluation offers STAAR-aligned assessment questions and review worksheets. The content is flexible for both in-class and virtual learning environments.

This modular, student-led station lab aligns with the 2021 TEKS 5.10C standard on the changes to Earth’s landforms caused by wind, water, and ice. Designed for 5th-grade Earth science, the lab offers nine differentiated activities that engage students in modeling, identifying, and understanding the processes of erosion, weathering, and deposition. Students will explore these concepts through hands-on tasks, digital activities, reading passages, videos, and research, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.

The station lab includes both input stations, such as "Explore It!" and "Watch It!", and output stations like "Illustrate It!" and "Write It!", providing multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of landform formation. A bonus challenge station offers extension activities for advanced learners. With resources suitable for both in-class and virtual learning environments, this lab ensures that students remain engaged and develop a deeper understanding of Earth’s changing surface.

The Modeling Landform Formations Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS Earth Science standard 5.10C, offering 5th graders a range of geology project options. A project page includes six student-led choices and an option to "design your own," with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. Teachers can adjust the rubric as needed. 

These flexible projects allow students to demonstrate their understanding in creative ways, with options that support both remediation and challenge. The resources are designed with standard classroom supplies in mind, and many projects can be completed digitally.