Materials

• steam table
• earth materials
• water
• paper towels
• watering bottle
• obstructions such as stones, sticks
• plant materials

Directions

1. Using the materials given to you in class, our task is to use scientific inquiry to compare the erosion of sand with the erosion of gravel. The scientific question that we will design an investigation to answer is: "In our classroom investigation, how does the erosion of sand compare with the erosion of gravel?"

2. You need to conduct your scientific investigation using your stream tables or a model of your own. As you design your investigation, think about:
   • Which factors will you vary in your study? Which will you keep the same?
   • How can you be sure that the rate of water flow is even and constant?
   • How will you measure erosion?
   1. List, in order, the steps you will use. You may include a diagram to help illustrate your plans for the investigation. Include any safety procedures you would follow. Make your procedure detailed enough, so someone else could follow it easily.
   2. Construct a data table or chart to record your observations and results.
   3. Perform the investigation by following the steps outlined in your procedure. Be sure to note any change you have to make to your listed procedures and tell why.
   4. Record your observations and measurements. Write statements or paragraphs and/or use tables where appropriate. Now transform your data into a graph.

3. Write an interpretation and analysis of your results. Note any limitations to your investigation. What additional experiments or questions were suggested as you did your investigation?

4. Based on what you learned in our investigation, write your own question that you can answer with further scientific inquiry using classroom materials that are similar to those you had for this investigation. Follow steps 2 and 3 above.