Curated OER
Weathering and Soil Formation
A set of 27 slides systematically shows how weathering, erosion, and deposition contribute to soil formation. Both chemical and mechanical weathering are described, as are resulting soil layers and properties. There is no longer any need...
Kenan Fellows
Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – Soil
Do great gardeners really have green thumbs—or just really great soil? Environmental scholars discover what makes Earth's soil and soil quality so important through research and experimentation. Learners also develop an understanding of...
Curated OER
Soil Type and Management
Students study the basics of soil science. They research and gather data through readings, videos, and performance of laboratory investigations. As a team they generate oral and written recommendations for the amendment of soil.
Curated OER
Soil Formation
Seventh graders investigate how soil is formed. They analyze types of soil samples, examine soil using a magnifying glass or microscope, complete a chart, conduct a soil and plant experiment, and construct a soil profile.
Curated OER
How Does Your Soil Stack Up?
Students examine the soil in their local area and create a soil profile. They record observations in the field and the classroom. They create their own display of the soil profile as well.
Curated OER
Layering the Soil
Students study and classify soil. In this soil science instructional activity, students classify soil by texture and size and study soil horizons. Students label the soil types with their specific soil horizon and learn about permafrost....
Curated OER
The Soil Chain
Fourth graders show the needs of plants met by soil. In this Science lesson, 4th graders detail the components of soil and determine which are living or once living and non-living. Students determine the needs of plant growth that are...
Curated OER
What is Soil?
Students examine soil. In this earth science lesson, students define and describe weathering and erosion as it relates to soil. Students compare and contrast potting soil with forest soil and complete a science observation worksheet.
Curated OER
What's in the Soil?
Fourth graders examine soil to find its contents, and how much water and air they can measure. In this soil composition instructional activity, 4th graders perform three experiments and record their results. In one experiment...
Columbus City Schools
Rocking the Cycle!
Time to rock out! Discover the "life" cycle of the average rock using an illustrative stations lab and stimulating pairs game. Roll the dice to determine your fate: will it be melting in magma or chilling out to form igneous rock? The...
University of Waikato
Water Runoff
Teachers demonstrate water runoff on a hill and its effect on soil erosion. Pupils observe as the instructor changes the steepness of the hill and see whether vegetation covers the soil. Learners then use their observations to make...
Curated OER
Water Cycle
Identify and interpret the earth's different water sources. Third and fourth graders describe and demonstrate the process of the water cycle, make a model of its two main parts, and predict and infer to answer questions about the...
Curated OER
Worm Composting
Second graders discuss worm composting. In this decomposition activity, 2nd graders look at the anatomy of the worm and how it eats food. They have their own worm bin and review what foods can and can not be given to the worms for...
Curated OER
Soil in My Food Web
Fourth graders understand the importance of soil to the food web. In this food web lesson, 4th graders create various food webs beginning with soil using yarn and name cards. Students write about the importance of soil to one...
Curated OER
Dark Days
Fourth graders investigate the impacts of erosion. In this Science lesson, 4th graders determine connections between plants and soil erosion. Students examine the historical implications of erosion.
Virginia Department of Education
Permeability and Porosity
Covering both permeability and porosity, scholars perform a hands-on experiment testing various soil types. The material includes a pre-instructional activity worksheet to help focus pupils on the task at hand.
Curated OER
Keeping Soil in Its Place
Fourth graders investigate erosion. For this Science lesson, 4th graders explore the role of weathering and plant growth related to erosion. Students define the components of soil. Students explore the history of the Dust Bowl.
Curated OER
Soil Profile
Fourth graders research soil layers and create a soil profile in a jar. In this soil profile lesson plan, 4th graders working in groups, research a given layer of soil, make a 3-5 minute presentation to the class, and complete a...
Curated OER
The"Dirt" on Soil
Students examine the three different types of soil and their physical properties. In this soil lesson students design and implement a model of a water treatment plant.
Curated OER
Secrets to Healthy Soil
Fourth graders explore needed mineral nutrients for healthy soil. In this soil lesson, 4th graders investigate how living and nonliving elements combine to contribute to fertile soil development.
Curated OER
Soil Isn't a Dirty Word
Students investigate the properties of rocks. In this geology lesson, students draw their profile and discuss what a soil profile would look like. Additionally, students demonstrate how to make soil by rubbing two pieces of sandstone...
Curated OER
Soils are the Pits!
Students dig soil pits in order to observe soil features and the factors of soil formation and soil forming process. Students also examine the relationships among different soils in a series of soil pits.
Columbus City Schools
Constructive and Destructive Geologic Processes
Show the class the world as they've never seen it before—from way above! Learners try to unravel the mysteries presented by rich satellite imagery, learn to interpret topographic maps, and study erosion by constructing their very...
Curated OER
Soil Management
Fourth graders examine different opinions on soil management. In this soil management lesson plan, 4th graders use a variety of resources to research how agriculture and the environment are related. They investigate cause and effect...