Fourth Grade

Landforms Concept Storyline

Big Idea: Landforms and fossils provide evidence of the history of Earth and its changing life forms.






























FOSS Landforms
Investigation 2.1
Erosion
A landform is the
shape of the land.
Erosion wears away
Earth materials by
water, wind, or ice.


4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3

Alignment Lesson
Glaciers, Water, and
Wind
Erosion wears away
Earth materials by
water, wind, or ice.



4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3
FOSS Landforms
Investigation 3.1
Slope
Steeper slopes result in
faster-flowing water,
which has more energy
and can carry larger
loads of material, such
as a landslide.

4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3
FOSS Landforms
Investigation 3.2
Flood
During a flood, the
streams velocity
increases dramatically,
increasing erosion and
deposition.


4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3
Sub Concept: Erosion and weathering are slow processes that change the surface of the Earth.
Alignment Lesson
Lets Get Physical!
Students apply their
knowledge of physical
and chemical changes
to the processes of
weathering.



4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3
Sub Concept: Landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes are rapid processes that change the surface of the Earth.
Alignment Lesson
Earthquakes
Earthquakes rapidly
change the surface of
the Earth.





4.E.2.3
Alignment Lesson
Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions
rapidly change the
surface of the Earth.





4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3
Sub Concept: Fossils are used as direct evidence of past life. Landforms, and fossils embedded within
them, provide clues about Earths history.
Alignment Lesson
Fossils
Mold and cast fossils
are created by different
processes. Fossils are
used as direct evidence
of past life and are
used by geologists and
paleontologists to make
sense of Earths
history.
4.E.2.2, 4.E.2.3

Alignment Lesson
History of Earth:
Fossils
Fossils, often found in
sedimentary rock,
provide evidence of
past life and provide
geologists and
paleontologists clues
about Earths history.

4.E.2.1, 4.E.2.2
Alignment Lesson
History of Earth:
Landforms
Identifying landforms
and recognizing
changes to them
provides clues about
Earths history.



4.E.2.2, 4.E.2.3
Alignment Lesson
History of Earth:
Geologic Timeline
Scientists piece
together fossil
evidence and
landforms to create a
timeline of geologic
events.


4.E.2.2, 4.E.2.3

All Sub Concepts
Alignment Lesson
Earths Changing
Surface
Scientists rely on
various technologies to
study the surface of the
Earth.




4.E.2.2, 4.E.2.3

Alignment Lesson
Literacy Connection:
Earth Stories
Informational text
provides information
about topics related to
the changing surface of
the Earth.


4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.1,
4.E.2.2, 4.E.2.3
FOSS Landforms
Investigation 2.2
Deposition
Deposition is the
process by which
eroded Earth materials
settle out in another
place.

4.P.2.1, 4.E.2.3