Erosion in a tray: a 30-minute 2nd grade earth science experiment
What it is: a 2nd grade earth science experiment where students build a sand hill in a tray, pour water on it like rain, and watch the land wear away and move. They then test a way to slow erosion down, such as rocks or plants.
Time: about 30 minutes. Grade: 2nd grade.
Materials: a shallow tray or baking pan per group, damp sand or soil, a paper cup with small holes poked in the bottom by an adult, a cup of water, small rocks, and leaves or moss.
- Show a photo of a canyon or a river bank. Ask: "How do you think it got this shape?"
- Groups build a sand hill at one end of the tray. They draw it before any rain.
- One student holds the cup with holes over the hill while another pours water into it. Everyone watches.
- Groups draw the hill after the rain and describe what moved and where it went.
- Rebuild the hill, cover it with rocks or leaves, and test again. Compare the two drawings.
Safety: an adult pokes the holes in the cups before class. Wash hands after handling soil, and wipe spills right away.
Differentiation: students who need support do one test with you narrating. Students who are ready test a steep hill against a gentle one. English learners can use the words erosion, water, sand and move.
Quick check: show a picture of a muddy river after a storm and ask a student how erosion is involved.
Save this activity to your library so it is ready when you need it.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Science
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.