Animals That Weather Rocks 4th Grade Erosion Lab Reading Passage & Burrows

Weathering can feel abstract until students see examples from the natural world. In this investigation, students look at real photos of animal and plant activity, decide which ones show weathering, and explain their thinking.

The activity includes vocabulary support, visual analysis, and written reflection, so it works in science centers, interactive notebooks, and small group instruction.

What’s Included

• Investigation sheet with guiding questions and visuals
• Student-friendly explanations and vocabulary support
• Sorting activity with real-life photos: weathering and no weathering
• Printable cut-and-paste cards
• Answer key and teacher directions

Skills Covered

• Identifying weathering caused by animals and plants
• Connecting biological activity to changes on Earth’s surface
• Developing observation and science explanation skills
• NGSS 4-ESS2-1: Earth’s systems

Ways to Use This Resource

• Use as a whole-group lesson or guided science discussion
• Set up a small group or independent investigation center
• Add to a rocks and minerals or Earth surface changes unit
• Use as a visual anchor activity before deeper experiments
• Add to science notebooks or use as an exit ticket reflection

Why Teachers Love It

• Clear visuals and vocabulary support help all learners
• Aligned with NGSS 4-ESS2-1
• Easy prep for notebooks or centers
• Connects science concepts to real-world examples
• Encourages students to observe, sort, and explain scientifically

Help students see how nature, including animals, plays a role in shaping the Earth’s surface. This weathering investigation is also part of a larger set of weathering and erosion stations for fourth grade.