• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Weathering and erosion). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Which type of weathering is this: tree roots growing into cracks? (physical weathering / chemical weathering / biological weathering) → biological weatheringPrompt: Is it caused by temperature and ice, by a chemical reaction, or by living things?
2. What is the difference between weathering and erosion? (Weathering moves rocks to the sea / Weathering breaks rock down; erosion carries the pieces away / They are exactly the same / Erosion only happens in deserts) → Weathering breaks rock down; erosion carries the pieces awayPrompt: One breaks, the other moves.
3. Which type of weathering is this: water freezing and expanding in cracks? (physical weathering / chemical weathering / biological weathering) → physical weatheringPrompt: Is it caused by temperature and ice, by a chemical reaction, or by living things?

• Pass round different rocks and ask how each one might have formed.
• Share the objective: Physical, chemical and biological weathering. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Which type of weathering is this: water freezes in a crack, expands and splits the rock?
• Step 1: Physical weathering breaks rock into pieces without changing its chemicals.
• Step 2: So the answer is: physical (freeze–thaw, heating and cooling)
• Answer: physical (freeze–thaw, heating and cooling)
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Which type of weathering is this: desert rock heats by day and cools at night until its surface flakes off? (physical (freeze–thaw, heating and cooling) / chemical / biological) → physical (freeze–thaw, heating and cooling)Prompt: Is a living thing involved? Are new substances formed, or does the rock just break into pieces?
2. What is the difference between weathering and erosion? (Weathering breaks rock down where it is; erosion carries the pieces away / They are exactly the same / Erosion only happens in deserts / Weathering moves rocks to the sea) → Weathering breaks rock down where it is; erosion carries the pieces awayPrompt: One process breaks; the other transports.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Which agent carries the largest rocks and boulders long distances? (glaciers (moving ice) / rain drops / sunlight / gentle wind) → glaciers (moving ice)Prompt: Some boulders in fields came from far away.
2. Weathering and erosion: which statement is NOT true? (Weathering only happens over a few days. / Plant roots can split rocks. / Rivers erode their banks and carry sediment. / Limestone caves form by chemical weathering.) → Weathering only happens over a few days.Prompt: What does water do when it freezes?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-6.