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PPT
Curated OER

Chapter 3 ~ Physical Properties of Soil

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Though information-packed, this presentation on soil is drab if it stands alone. As you journey through slides about soil texture, make sure to pass around samples of each type. Perform demonstrations as you lecture on soil density and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Investigations

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners examine the basics about soil.  In this soil lesson students describe the physical properties of soil and explain what soil profile is. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Curricular Correlations

For Teachers 3rd
An interesting lesson on different types of soils is here for you. In it, learners discuss what soil is, and consider three piles of soil - clay, sand, and loam. During the rest of the lesson, third graders discover all sorts of...
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PPT
Curated OER

Soils: One of Our Natural Resources

For Teachers 5th - 8th
"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,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Nutrients - Phosphorus Lab Lesson Plan

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students list sources of phosphorus in soil. They explain how phosphorus is removed from the soil and used by plants. Students list the symptoms of insufficient or excess phosphorus. Students perform experiments to examine the effect of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Done It?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure.  The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not give you...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Analyzing Soil Samples

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students grow grass or radish seeds in this experiment, which takes three to four weeks to complete. They become familiar with basic soil analysis techniques, as well as, explore the importance of analyzing soil samples.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What on Earth is in the Earth?

For Teachers K
Students explore the physical properties of sand, soil, and rocks and sort, classify, compare, and contrast the materials found in the soil. The differences between the living and non-living parts of the soil is discussed.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil's Secret

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine two types of soils in their area. They identify its texture and permeability to determine its origin. They share their results with the class.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Does Your Soil Stack Up?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Stories

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders collect and analyze soil samples and extrapolate the characteristics needed to support different types of plant life. They research different types of prairie soil and how it supports plant and animal life.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Scrolls

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine soil samples and explore the what happens in each layer of the subsoil. They work in cooperative groups to create a scroll that shows what takes place in each layer, and discuss why much of the activity is in the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Losing Ground

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students examine the Dust Bowl and the effects of farming practices in the early 20th century. They read a handout, and conduct and discuss two experiments simulating soil erosion.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Just Passing Through

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore how water moves through soil. They experiment with different soil types and record their findings.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Investigating Soil Color and Texture"

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders will identify/understand the differences between soil and dirt. They will classify soil color accurately and use Munsell notation to describe it (Munsell books provided).Students will classify soil texture using the feel...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living Environment

For Teachers 7th - 12th
In this environmental lesson students complete a series of multiple choice and short answer questions on animal populations, cell structure and chromosomes.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fieldwork: Horizons Under Ground: Digging Through Wetland Soil

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars study the different soil types and describe the different soils in various environments.  In this soil lesson students walk to a reserve and discuss what they saw. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Planetary Soils

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study soil characteristics and identify properties of soils from different parts of the solar system.  In this soil instructional activity students divide into groups, read soil descriptions, test and record soil samples. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Archaeological Soils

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify the composition of a soil sample. In this archaeology lesson plan, 8th graders describe the different soil layers formed in their activity. They explain how this pattern help archaeologists evaluate soil types.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Observing and Questioning

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate different types of soil. In this soil lesson, 3rd graders compare various soil samples. They work hands-on with their peers to find the differences and similarities.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stream Table

For Teachers 3rd - Higher Ed
Students explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about  the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats lesson, students define important terms and read an article about pollution.  Students complete...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil is a Filter

For Teachers 1st - 9th
Students examine how to take the impurities out of eater.  In this exploratory lesson plan students complete an experiment on how to filter drinking water. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Vermicomposting

For Teachers 1st
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's in the Soil?

For Teachers 4th
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 they...