Which One?

This worksheet is designed for students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 to build clear understanding of Earth surface processes by distinguishing between weathering and erosion. Learners read ten everyday geological scenarios, analyze whether rock is breaking down in place or being moved to a new location, and label each example as Weathering or Erosion, strengthening comprehension, vocabulary accuracy, and scientific reasoning through real-world contexts.

Skills Reinforced

• Weathering vs. Erosion (Grades 4-6) – Students accurately differentiate between rock breakdown and rock movement.
• Earth’s Surface Change – Learners understand how natural forces reshape land over time.
• Scenario Analysis & Classification – Encourages close reading and evaluation of real-world examples.
• Scientific Explanation Writing – Bonus prompts require students to justify choices using evidence-based reasoning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary Earth science standards.
• Clear, Focused Format – Simple W/E labeling keeps the task accessible and effective.
• Includes Writing Extension – Short explanations deepen understanding beyond classification.
• Low-Prep & Printable – Easy to use for review, assessment, or homeschool instruction.

This printable science worksheet helps students sharpen their ability to distinguish between closely related Earth processes. By analyzing familiar scenarios and explaining their reasoning, learners strengthen scientific vocabulary, critical thinking, and evidence-based writing skills. Ideal for classroom or homeschool use, this activity provides a focused and engaging way to reinforce understanding of weathering and erosion.

This worksheet is part of our Weathering and Erosion Worksheets Collection.