Little Lab Coats
Reference Card — Weathering Breaks Rocks
Grade 4 · ESS2
Weathering is the process of breaking rock into smaller pieces. It can happen slowly through water, ice, temperature changes, and living things.
Key vocabulary
weatheringrocksedimentcracksurfaceevidence
What to notice
- Wind, water, ice, and roots can slowly break rock into smaller pieces.
- Use evidence from observations, maps, or models.
- Connect cause and effect clearly.
Materials snapshot
- Small rock or sidewalk pebble
- Cracker or dry bread to model breaking
- Cup of water
- Worksheet and pencil
Talk-about prompts
- What process is happening here?
- What evidence supports that idea?
- Is the change fast or slow?
Why it matters
This lesson helps students build stronger explanations about how Earth’s surface changes.
Try this next: Use the card to review vocabulary before the quiz or while writing explanations.