Exploring earth’s wonders: Kanab BLM brings landforms to life for young scientists

On September 25, 2025, Fredonia Elementary School’s first and second-grade students welcomed special guests from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Kanab, Utah, for an exciting and educational presentation about how landforms are shaped by nature.

Two students construct their own model mountains out of marshmallows and cream. The marshmallows represented layers of land, and the whipped cream held them together. Once completed, students were invited to blow as hard as they could on their mountain to test its strength against wind - just like real erosion in nature. Photo courtesy of Fredonia Schools.

The visit featured Jason Jensen and Liz Kolle, who brought energy, expertise, and hands-on science into the classroom. As part of their presentation, they explained the powerful processes of weathering, erosion and deposition - the natural forces that slowly change the Earth’s surface over time.

To help students visualize these concepts, the BLM team used a miniature model of a community surrounded by various landforms. Students watched in amazement as wind and water simulations showed how rocks break apart, soil is carried away, and new land features are formed. It was a powerful way to connect classroom science with real-world understanding.

After the demonstration, the learning turned deliciously creative. Each student received four marshmallows and a scoop of whipped cream to construct their own model mountain. The marshmallows represented layers of land, and the whipped cream held them together. Once completed, students were invited to blow as hard as they could on their mountain to test its strength against wind - just like real erosion in nature. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and excited chatter as students made connections between science and hands-on discovery.

Earlier in the week, Mrs. Ihong, the classroom teacher, had introduced landform concepts as outlined in the Arizona Science Standards for first and second grade. “Last year, we had a chance to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon,” she shared. “It was a powerful moment for our students to see one of the most iconic landforms so close to home. This year, the BLM visit brought that same sense of wonder right into our classroom.”

Fredonia Elementary is grateful to Jason Jensen, Liz Kolle, and the entire Kanab BLM team for their time, enthusiasm, and dedication to science education. Their visit made a lasting impression and reminded students that learning about the Earth is not only important - it can be fun, hands-on, and unforgettable.