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An Investigative Look at Florida's Sinkholes Lesson Overview

Students will…
• Differentiate between erosion, physical weathering and chemical weathering.
• Create a model of a sinkhole.
• Investigate factors that affect sinkhole formation.
• Present an argument supported by evidence collected from their model

Resources

Download the Lesson Plan

Download the Worksheet

Play the Game

Duration
120 minutes (3-4 classes)

Setting
Classroom

Grouping
Groups of 2-3 students

PTI Inquiry
1.2, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2

Lesson Components	Time	Inquiry Skills	Tech. Used	Engage Level	Brief Description
Engage	10 min	1.2	Computer	2	Video showing consequences of sinkhole formation. Cbsnews.com/news/sinkholes-thehole-truth/
Explore	40 min	-	Model	3	Creation of model testing one of three factors that may affect sinkhole formation
Explain	30 min	-	none	3	Evaluate data collected through model and write justification of evidence.
Expand	10 min	-	USGS maps	2	Examine other groups factors tested and compare data to own group. Analyze and review data on USGS Map
Evaluate	30 min	6.2, 7.1, 7.2	-	3	Presenting their arguments to class on factors that affect sinkhole formation. Answer pregenerated questions.

Level of Student Engagement
1	Low	Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction
2	Medium	Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance
3	High	Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered

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