Lesson 1: A Slant on Erosion

Soil erosion is a serious problem that affects all areas of the country. Erosion refers to the movement of weathered materials from one location to another. Can you determine which factors reduce soil erosion?

Doing the science

1. Start the Erosion Control Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Click the "Sand" container to place the sand on the stream table.
3. Click the red "On" button on the stream table controlling station.
4. Note and record in Table 1 the farthest distance traveled by the sand.
5. Click the red "Reset" button on the stream table controlling station.
6. Click the "Sand" container to place the sand on the stream table.
7. Click the "Gentle" button on the Table Angle selector.
8. Repeat steps 3 – 6.
9. Click the "Steep" button on the Table Angle selector.
10. Repeat steps 3 – 6.