While spending time in the outdoor classroom, sixth graders
have measured slopes in each direction from the wetland area. They did this to determine where
the most soil erosion is occurring.
Using the mathematical formula rise ÷ run x100 = % slope, students were able
to determine that the slopes with a higher percentage were the slopes on the
west side of the wetland where the water runs into the area. After verifying findings by experimenting
with sand and water, students decided that the water enters the west side of
the area faster and this causes a greater amount of soil erosion which leads to
steeper slopes.
