Constructive Forces

S5E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify surface features on the Earth caused by constructive and/or destructive processes.

a. Construct an argument supported by scientific evidence to identify surface features (examples could include deltas, sand dunes, mountains, volcanoes) as being caused by constructive and/or destructive processes (examples could include deposition, weathering, erosion, and impact of organisms).

b. Develop simple interactive models to collect data that illustrate how changes in surface features are/were caused by constructive and/or destructive processes.

Success Criteria

• I can explain what constructive forces are.

• I can identify landforms created by constructive forces.

• I can describe how deposition forms new landforms.

• I can use evidence to explain how constructive processes shape Earth’s surface.

• I can build or observe a model that shows how landforms are created.

• I can construct an argument explaining how a surface feature formed.

Constructive forces are natural processes that build up Earth's surface by adding new material. These forces create landforms and make existing landforms larger.

One of the most common constructive processes is deposition, which occurs when sediment (sand, soil, or rock) carried by wind, water, or ice is dropped in a new location. Over time, this buildup of sediment forms new landforms.

For example:

• Deltas form when rivers slow down near the ocean and deposit sediment.

• Sand dunes form when wind deposits sand in piles.

• Mountains and volcanoes form when material from inside Earth pushes upward or erupts onto the surface.

Constructive forces often work together with destructive forces. For example, erosion may carry sediment away from one place, but deposition builds land somewhere else.

Constructive processes typically happen slowly over long periods of time, though volcanic eruptions can create new land much more quickly.

Understanding constructive forces helps students recognize that Earth’s surface is constantly changing.

• Constructive Forces- Processes that build up Earth’s surface by adding new material.

• Deposition- The process where sediment carried by wind, water, or ice is dropped in a new location.

• Sediment- Small pieces of rock, sand, or soil that can be moved by wind or water.

• Delta- A landform created by deposited sediment at the mouth of a river.

• Sand Dune- A hill of sand formed by wind depositing sand.

• Volcano- An opening in Earth’s crust where magma, ash, and gases erupt and create new land.

• Mountain- A large landform that rises above surrounding land, often created by tectonic movement or volcanic activity.

• Landform- A natural feature of Earth’s surface such as mountains, valleys, or dunes.

KNOWS (What students should understand)

Students know:

• Constructive forces build up Earth's surface.

• Deposition is a constructive process.

• Sediment can be moved by wind, water, or ice.

• Some landforms are created by constructive forces.

• Earth’s surface changes over time.

SHOWS (What students should be able to do)

Students can:

• Identifying landforms created by constructive forces.

• Explaining how deposition forms landforms like deltas and sand dunes.

• Using evidence to support claims about how landforms formed.

• Creating or observing models that demonstrate deposition.

• Communicating explanations through writing, discussion, or diagrams.