Scholastic
Study Jams! Soil
Seven superb slides sharpen science students' scoop on soil. In viewing them and reading the accompanying captions, your class will uncover the importance, different types, horizons, and protection of soil. They can then assess their new...
Curated OER
The Composition of Soil
For this composition of soil worksheet, high schoolers study the make-up of soil by identifying the amount of air in the soil, the amount of water in the soil, the size of the mineral grains in the soil and the proportion of humus in the...
Curated OER
Edible Soils
Students create soil profiles, including rock, clay, silt, sand, and humus, in clear plastic cups out of edible materials.
Curated OER
Soil
For this soil worksheet, students fill in 12 blanks with terms related to the composition of the layers in soil, the production of the layers of the soil, leaching, and the soil profile.
Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy: Gardens Activity Guide: Soil
In this lesson students conduct a soil analysis to understand soil types and explore the relationship between the garden and healthy, fertile soil. Soil is a natural resource that is crucial to life on Earth and when managed properly, it...
Other
New Brunswick Waste Management /"Backyard Magic"
Comprehensive description of the environmental benefits of composting solid waste. Complete directions for composting, detailed description of composting chemistry, suggestions for applications of humus, question and answer page,...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: The Dirt on Soil
This interactive website explores the various soil layers and introduces you to the lifeforms that live in those soil layers.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: The Dirt on Dirt
What is dirt, and what makes some dirt superior for gardening? Find out in this virtual soil exploration.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Habitat Part 2
This activity is designed for students to examine soil and determine which soil will be the best for plant growth. The students will also investigate the effect of sunlight on plants and the importance of sunlight in producing chlorophyll.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Soil Composition Soil Soaks Up Water
In this classroom activity, young scholars will show how soil composition affects the amount of water the soil holds. They will test sand and soil independently and then create their own mixture.
![Composting Practices (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Composting Practices (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout")
Other
Composting Practices (Pdf) [Pdf]
This publication explains the agricultural and environmental benefits of composting household waste. It explains the difference between hot and cool composting systems. It also documents research indicating turfgrass benefits from humus...
Texas A&M University
Texas Greenhouse Management: Handbook: Growing Media
An extensive list of growing media from the Texas A&M Dept. of Horticulture.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Digging in for Dirt Day!
This lesson is managed through stations that young scholars will rotate around every 20- 30 minutes. Each second grade teacher conducts one station. Parent volunteers can also be used to manage stations. Students will use an auger to...
Michigan Reach Out
Michigan Reach Out!: Digging the Earth's Crust
Lesson plans from Michigan Reach Out! to help learners understand the different soil types and what uses they would be good for.
Other
Worm Woman's Web Site
Basic introduction to former biology teacher Mary Appelhof's books on vermicomposting at home/school/small businesses. Moderate autobiographical information on Applehof and her goals and purpose for vermicomposting. Brief description of...
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Soil Layers
Wonderful visual chart showing the six layers of soil. Also includes brief descriptions of the 12 types of soil and soil formation. Worksheet for students to label the layers of the soil is also included.