Our planet, Earth, is like a giant puzzle made up of different pieces called landforms. These landforms include everything from huge continents and oceans to smaller features like mountains and valleys. Let’s take a fun journey to learn about these amazing natural formations!
Continents are the biggest pieces of land on Earth. There are seven continents, and each one is unique. Here they are from largest to smallest:
Oceans are huge bodies of saltwater that cover about 70% of Earth’s surface. They are all connected, but we divide them into five main oceans:
Mountains are tall and have steep sides, often forming when Earth’s plates push together. Hills are like smaller, less steep mountains. The low areas between mountains are called valleys.
An island is a piece of land surrounded by water. Islands can be tiny or huge, like Greenland, which is the largest island. Australia is bigger than Greenland but is called a continent because of its size.
Coastal areas have special landforms, including:
Rivers are important sources of freshwater that flow from high places to the ocean. Lakes and ponds are surrounded by land, with lakes being larger. Some lakes, like the Great Salt Lake, are salty.
Plains are large, flat areas with little change in height. The Great Plains in the United States are a good example.
Plateaus are flat areas that are higher than the land around them. They can form from volcanic activity or when magma pushes up from below the Earth’s surface.
Earth is full of amazing landforms, each adding to the beauty and diversity of our planet. From high mountains to peaceful lakes, these natural wonders shape our world and support life in many ways. Exploring these landforms helps us understand and appreciate the incredible planet we call home!
Create Your Own Landform Model: Use clay or playdough to create a model of a landform you learned about. You could make a mountain, a valley, or even a peninsula. Once your model is ready, explain to a family member or friend what landform you created and how it is formed in nature.
Landform Scavenger Hunt: Go on a walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park with an adult. Look for different landforms or features like hills, rivers, or ponds. Take pictures or draw what you find. Discuss how these features might be similar or different from the major landforms you learned about.
Landform Story Time: Imagine you are an explorer discovering a new landform. Write a short story about your adventure. Describe what the landform looks like, how you found it, and what makes it special. Share your story with your class or family.
