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...
College Board
2016 AP® Environmental Science Free-Response Questions
The average student scores less than three points, out of five, on the AP Environmental Science test. Most do well on the multiple choice and struggle with the free-response section. Encourage extra free-response practice with actual...
Mr. E. Science
Weathering and Soil
From types of rocks to types of weathering, learners gain knowledge on minerals, composition of soil, and the effects of weathering on Earth.
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...
Curated OER
Worm Composting
Second graders discuss worm composting. In this decomposition lesson, 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
Chapter One: The Importance of Soil
The grammar is problematic on several of the slides in this collection, but the information is generally accurate. If you don't mind making a some corrections rather than starting from scratch, this presentation will save you some...
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.
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
Layering the Soil
Students study and classify soil. In this soil science lesson, 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. Students...
Curated OER
The Dirt We Depend On; How Soil Was Formed Reading Comprehension Worksheet
In this soil formation reading comprehension activity, students read a 2 page non-fiction article. They answer 19 questions including fill in the blank, multiple choice, and true or false about weathering of the Earth as soil is renewed.
Curated OER
Soil Morphology
Students analyze images of five different soil types from various locations and discuss how climate, vegetation, parent material, topography, and time can contribute to soil characteristics.
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
Soil Formation...It's a Dirty Job
High schoolers create a HyperStudio program about soil formation in their own area. They develop a list of the steps it takes to turn bedrock and organic material into soil, and create and present their HyperStudio stack to the class.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Get Down and Dirty: How Does Soil Change With Depth?
What covers less than 10% of the Earth's surface, yet is a vital natural resource for terrestrial life? What filters ground water and supports most of our food production, not to mention the production of building materials and paper?...
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Weathering and Decomposition
Learn about weathering and decomposition in this tutorial that includes interactive activities, videos, and more.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Trb 4:3 Investigation 3 Weathering
This lesson plan describes activities which allow learners to investigate four types of weathering and their relationship to soil formation. The four weathering forces investigated include wind, running water, plant roots and freezing...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Earth and Space Science: Earth's Solid Membrane: Soil
Material to launch exploration of Earth's soil and its important role. View a one-hour video, accompanied by details on soil horizons and soil formation, and ideas for bringing this topic into the classroom.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Ap Environmental Science: Geology, Soil and Land Management
Students explore how Earth processes shape the land, and how important managing the land can be in response to these natural activities.
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.
Other
Nasa: The Case of the Prize Winning Plants [Pdf]
This program uses a scenario with fictional detective characters to present plant growth to students. While the unit focuses on the basic needs and parts of plants, the topics of plant classification and adaptations, soil formation and...
eSchool Today
E School Today: Your Revision Notes All About Soils
Learn what soils are and why they are important. Discusses soil profiles, types of soils, soil conservation, soil ecosystems, and soil formation.
Other
Pipeline: Soil Characteristics Demystifying Dirt [Pdf]
Soil is the foundation of conventional on site wastewater treatment.The drainfields used with on site systems work because the soil around the trenches acts as a filter and removes organic matter, some of the nutrients present in...
Geography 4 kids
Geography4 kids.com: Makin' the Soil
List the five most important things to know about how soil is formed.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Soil Formation
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How soil is formed.