Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office
San Carlos City, Pangasinan
BACNAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Name:____________________________________Score:_________________________
Grade and Section:_________________________ Date:_________________________

Learning Activity Sheet in

SCIENCE 5
Effects of Soil Erosion

Learning Competency:
Investigate extent of soil erosion in the community and its effects on living things and
the environment (S5FE - IVb – 2)

Concepts:
Weathering and soil erosion shape the Earth’s surface and affect living things and the
environment

I. Introduction
You have learned in the previous lesson that weathering is an important process
that helps shape the Earth’s surface. The breakings of rocks result in the formation of soil and
different landforms. This is also the reason why we have amazing rock formations.
Also, weathering can either be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical weathering is a
physical wearing away of rocks without any change in their chemical nature, while chemical
weathering involves change in the composition of rocks that allows them to break down into
pieces.
This time, you will learn about soil erosion and its effects on living things and the
environment. When rocks are broken down into different pieces, it does not stay in one place.
Some rock fragments become part of the soil. Others are transferred from one place to
another which is called erosion. Materials that are transported due to erosion are called
sediments. Erosion of rock fragments contributes to the soil formation as well as formation of
landforms.
Soil erosion does not only shape Earth’s landforms, it also affects the ecosystem,
especially if it happens unexpectedly. It can destroy roads and bridges. The roads become
rugged. Traveling will be difficult and long. Repair of roads will cost the government much
money. Erosion affects the land. It can change its shape and size. Human activities such as
deforestation, illegal logging, and quarrying also increase the effects of soil erosion in the
environment.
 Effects of Soil Erosion on Landforms
Although soil erosion happens every time, the
appearance and structure of a landform do not change
overnight. It would take hundreds of years to change. For
instance, sand dunes would form after plenty of soil
accumulate and form a huge mass after existing large
mass of rocks and soil. This process happens over and
over again.
Soil erosion can destroy large masses of land. It
can also transform a mountain to hill or plateau.

Effects of Soil Erosion on Living Things

Plants get most of its nutrients from the topsoil. The
topsoil contains the organic materials produced by dead plants
and animals. However, this topsoil is usually carried away by
wind and water. Once the topsoil is gone, the nutrients for plants
will be carried away as well. Too much soil erosion makes the
soil unable to hold or absorb water. This makes the soil dry,
coarse, and eventually unfit for vegetation. In addition,
sediments that are washed away by water can clog irrigation
system and can further inhibit the plant’s water supply.

The effect of erosion on plants would mean less food

production. This can affect animals and human since plants are their
main source of food and nutrients. Another negative effect of erosion is
the prevalence of mine tailings which are mineral wastes or leftovers
after the mining process. Erosion brought by water can wash mine
tailings to nearby bodies of water and pollute them. Polluted seas and
rivers can affect aquatic plants and animals, as well as the potable
water supply of animals and humans.

Learning Task 1 In your Science notebook, list the effects of soil erosion.
A. Effects of Soil Erosion on Landforms
B. Effects of Soil Erosion on Living Things

Learning Task 2
Prepare the materials listed below. If not available, you may use other materials at home to
perform the activity. You may ask the help of your parents/guardians or any adult members of the
family if needed.

Materials:
3 small pans 6 cups garden soil
3 wooden blocks of different sizes 3 bottles of 500ml water

Procedures:
1. Place the wooden blocks on the flat surface. Label each block as A, B, and C.
2. Place one small pan on each column in a slanting position.
3. Pour two cups of garden soil and spread it on each pan.
4. Pour one bottle of water above each pan with soil.
5. Record your observations in the following table. Write in your science notebook.
 Columns Observations

Questions:
1. Based on your observation, which pan had the least amount of soil destroyed? How
about the greatest?
2. Based on your observation, explain how the slope of the land affect the rate of erosion?
3. Based on your observation, how the does the slope of the land affect erosion in your
community?
4. Based on your observation, what effects of erosion in your community can you infer?

Learning Task 4.
Draw a heart if the situation shows a good effect of soil erosion and circle if not.

_____________1. large masses of land become wonders of nature

_____________2. shaping of landforms
_____________3. change in appearance of mountains
____________4. deposition of mine tailings
_____________5. inability of the soil to hold water
_____________6. formation of soil
_____________7. pollution of water
_____________8. removal of topsoil
_____________9. decrease in food production
_____________10. clogging of irrigation canal