Stream Tables

For four weeks we have been investigating how water erodes earth materials in a variety of situations. Our stream tables started simple enough with no slope and a standard water source. We were able to see deltas and canyons form after the water had finished its work. Later we moved to sloping the stream tables, seeing how quickly the deltas form when the water has the added momentum from a slope. Later, we changed our water source to flood, meaning the water came from a larger hole. I think we all had fun flooding our stream tables!

This week we created our own stream table investigations in table groups. Each group decided on one or two modifications they wanted to test out. Some groups added a mountain, others added some cubes or had egg cartons for the water source. The modifications the groups came up with were amazing! What a great bunch of scientists.

Here are quite a few pictures from the recent investigation. Please ask your student about their particular group's plan. I bet they can explain their plan better than I can! It's been fun seeing the growth in understanding of erosion and the results of water interacting with earth materials. Next up will be topographical maps!