PBS
Curious George: Sand and Soil
Two sensory tables—wet and dry—allow scholars to use their sense of sight, touch, and smell to observe the changes when the dirt mixes with water. A short video relates the STEM learning experience to a fun video clip where Curious...
Curated OER
Soils: One of Our Natural Resources
"God made dirt, so dirt don't hurt!" In fact, dirt is soil, which is an amazingly dynamic material that we cannot live without! Dig into the depths of soil development, topography, and layers with this PowerPoint. The photos are fuzzy,...
Curated OER
Vermicomposting
First graders investigate composting. In this biology lesson plan, 1st graders identify ways to use garbage as fertilizer. Students examine soil and compost matter as well as the role of worms in the dirt.
Curated OER
How much is Dirt Worth?
Students problem solve to understand the value of the Earth's soil. In this value of dirt lesson, students understand how much of Earth is made of dirt and how important to our survival it is.
Curated OER
Wonder Underground
Students classify and record objects they find "underground." In this observation lesson, students dig into bins filled with soil and encounter various objects such as bark, twigs, etc. Students classify their findings.
Curated OER
Rock Your World
Students define soil, dirt, clay, silt, and sand. They conduct an online scavenger hunt, answer pre-written online questions on a piece of paper, and play the Earth Materials Game after completing the scavenger hunt.
Curated OER
Keeping Soil in Its Place
Fourth graders investigate erosion. In 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
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
Earth Day Snack Cup Project
Students plant a seed in a decorated left over yogurt cup. In this planting lesson plan, students reuse a yogurt cup that they would have thrown away, decorate it with wrapping paper, put dirt in it, and plant a seed.
Curated OER
Let's Catch Some Dirt From the Air
Learners investigate the dirt in the air. In this air quality lesson, students use aluminum foil and petroleum jelly to discover if there is dirt in the air. Learners discuss results.
Curated OER
The Dirt We Depend On- Characteristics of Dirt Reading Comprehension Worksheet
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a selection about dirt and soil characteristics. They answer 10 matching questions and 5 multiple choice questions based on the information given in the non-fiction article.
Curated OER
Playing In The Dirt - Discovering Soil
Middle schoolers discuss some the different types of soil in Oklahoma. They identify the soil types and explore the characteristics of each type of soil. In groups, students perform hands-on activities such as taking soil samples,...
Curated OER
Dirt Life
Students select and collect soil samples from a variety of locations (schoolyard, home, etc.). They do this lab after an interest-generating discussion about "dirt" and microbes. Students make a dilution in sterile water, plate it on a...
Curated OER
Color in the Garden
Third graders study color in a garden environment. In this color lesson, 3rd graders explore the colors of living and nonliving elements within a garden environment. Resources are provided.
Curated OER
Mud Painting
Students invent mud mixtures to paint with. In this mud painting lesson, students experiment with different mixtures to develop the perfect mud paint. Students paint a picture.
Curated OER
Human Body
In this biology worksheet, students complete a paragraph about the human body and the eyes. They fill-in the blanks with the correct word from the word bank. There are 21 blanks to complete.
Curated OER
Particulate Matter: The Lorax
Students investigate how dirty air is outside. They read and discuss the book, The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. They investigate using jars and lids to compare the dirt left each day as they remove the lids. They observe the lids and discuss if...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science of Gardening
Explore this site to get the "dirt" on dirt. Explore a savage garden or choose from the various aspects of gardening: feed, control or bloom.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: Digital Learning Center for Microbial Ecology: Microbe Zoo: Ag Acres
A simple overview of the important roles microbes play in agriculture. You'll learn how some microbes can be hazardous to plants while others help fertilize and build soil, and kill insects.
PBS
Pbs: Independent Lens: Dirt! The Movie
'Dirt the Movie' is an independent film about the importance of soil, how it is affected by things like climate change and pollution, and how we can learn to take better care of it. The site features video clips from the film, articles...
Other
Bike ride.com: Bicycling Events Calendar
This resource lists cycling events for the entire U.S. and Canada. There is a searchable database that allows you to put in the city you want and how many miles away you are willing to travel for all types of cycling events.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Soils Around the World
Check out a world map hosting a variety of options for views of various soil types. Identify the different soils and where they can be found.
Next.cc
Next: Soil
Investigate how our lives depend upon having healthy soil by engaging in these interactive activities. Links are provided for further exploration.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Dissecting Soil
In this soil study, students investigate a soil sample to discover what is inside the soil. Working in partners, they explore to see if there are any plants, animals, dirt, or other (water and air) in the soil.