Land and Water

Students investigate the interactions between land and water. Using a stream table as their model, students observe how runoff causes stream formation; how groundwater forms; how soil is eroded, transported, and deposited; and how water shapes land. Students create hills, build dams, and grow vegetation. Miniature valleys, waterfalls, and canyons form in the stream tables as water flows over the soil.

Students also deepen their appreciation for the vastness of stream systems by creating aerial diagrams of their stream table results. The stream table also serves as a basis for investigations of the water cycle. Through observing the model, manipulating certain parts of it, and testing interactions under various conditions, students discover how water changes the shape of land and how land formations, in turn, affect the flow of water. They connect the models to real-world examples and apply the concepts they have learned to photographs of land and water on earth.

Through these applications, students are encouraged to observe land and water each day and search for evidence of interactions between land and water in the world around them.

Trainer Tips:

• Lesson 13: Slope - Manual suggest 7-8" slope-this is too steep. If reduced to 3 ½ -4" - works better
• Lesson 13: Mold - Issues when growing rye grass & mustard seed in stream tables:   When growing grasses under plastic, it is important to occassionally open up the plastic to allow     airflow. Another solution is to poke vent holes in the plastic with a sharp pencil.  This will eliminate mold buildup and odors. Don't over water - this leads to excess moisture and condensation on the plastic, which increases the growth of mold.  Also, direct sunllight is best for growth.
• Combine Lessons 13 & 14 - have ½ the class do each, easier to compare slope/erosion
• Purchase play sand only for unit usage. DO NOT purchase construction sand as it will not work properly in the unit (soils will harden!!)

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Land & Water Storyline (pdf)

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Unit Certificate
Acknowledge your student's accomplishment in completing this unit with our completion certificate.  We hope they enjoyed learning about science through The Einstein Project's hands-on approach!

Sponsored By

The Land and Water unit is generously sponsored by TransCanada.

What are people saying about the Land and Water Einstein science unit?

"Students loved this entire unit! I did too!!!"
--Denise Van Lone, Grade 4 teacher at Oak Creek Elementary School, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

"This is a great unit for our class. They really love building the dams!!"
--Tanya Danko, Grade 4 teacher at Meadowview Elementary School, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

"Very close to actual situations that students can relate to."
--Terry Draeger, Grade 4 teacher at Carrollton Elementary, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

"Thank you ERM Foundation for the readers!"
--Mary Kornely, Grade 5 teacher at Denmark Elementary, Denmark, Wisconsin