Curated OER
Super Soil
Learners compare the organic matter found in soil. In this soil lesson, students compare a commercial garden mix soil to their local soil and determine which has more organic material.
Curated OER
Natural Resources Matter
This natural resources worksheet includes discussion activities about natural resources, 2 word searches, and a list of related books and videos.
Curated OER
Building Soil Nature's Way: Exploring decomposition and soil health
Students explore decomposition and soil health by creating their own garden. In this agriculture lesson, students build a "lasagna garden" with organic matter found in the area and plant perennials native to their region. Students are...
Curated OER
Soil Characteristics
Components of soil, such as inorganic or organic materials are detailed along with the main contributions of each. Deposits, weathering, and distinct types of characteristics and properties of soil classes are given.
Curated OER
Composting "The Right Mix"
Learners investigate the correct mix of material types for compost. In this composting instructional activity, students explore the correct amounts of different types of materials to create a compost heap. Learners then create a compost...
Curated OER
Organic Matter
Written for an agriculture curriculum, this presentation on organic matter is also informative for gardening or horticulture classes. It details the chemical makeup, affecting factors, functions, maintenance, and composting to create a...
Curated OER
Soil Composition
Students examine soil. In this soil composition lesson students participate in soil sedimentation and filtration activities. The students discuss what non-living and living things are in soil and why it is so important.
Curated OER
Soil, the Forgotten Resource
Students discuss soil understanding that is is often overlooked as a natural resource. In this science lesson, students recognize that we depend on it for energy in the form of foods. Students experiment with six boxes of soil to help in...
Curated OER
Perkin' Through the Pores
Young scholars investigate how organic matter increases the amount of water soil will hold. In this water soil lesson plan, students use soil and measure water amounts using organic matter. Young scholars measure the water holding...
Curated OER
Investigation 6 - Soil Profile
Fourth graders study the components of soil. They observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth. They record color, texture, and kinds of materials on their profile log (light color, denser, grittier -...
Curated OER
Soil
Second graders name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter. They explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many...
Curated OER
Soil Isn't Dirty; It's Diverse!
Second graders participate in a soil activity. In this soil instructional activity students complete a worksheet describing different soil types and the organic and inorganic things found in them.
Curated OER
Perkin' Through the Pores
Fourth graders explore different levels of soil. In this soil instructional activity, 4th graders investigate the amount water that can be absorbed by topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock.
Curated OER
Soil and Volcanoes
In this soil and volcano worksheet, students read information about soil and volcanoes and answer questions provided. Students also build model of a volcano and participate in soil activities.
Curated OER
Organic Matter in Soils
Learners recognize the presence of organic matter in soils from their immediate area and recognize which soil sample contains the highest concentration of organic matter.
Curated OER
Cows, Worms, and Compost
Students study decomposition. In this decomposition lesson, students discuss the background information about decomposition. Students then complete the 'Chew It Twice' worksheet.
Curated OER
Origin of Coal
Students explore how coal is formed. They then discuss the information and answer any questions that they may have on the formation of coal. Students then answer questions in reference to the coal discussion and reading.
Curated OER
Organic Matter in Soils
Students examine soil samples for the presence of organic matter. They determine which soil sample from their area contains the highest amount of organic matter.
Curated OER
Get the Dirt
Students investigate a variety of soil samples placed in cold water jars. Layers of soil are examined for the difference between organic matter and rock fragments.
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...
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia: Soil Components
Use this interactive website to learn everything you wanted to know about the four components of soil: minerals, organic, water, and air. Many links along the way assist with comprehension by allowing you to view photographs, charts, and...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: What Will Biodegrade?
Students investigate what types of materials biodegrade in the soil, and learn what happens to their trash after they throw it away. The concepts of landfills and compost piles will be explained, and the students will have an opportunity...
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.
Environmental Education for Kids
Eek!: Nature's Recyclers Coloring Book
Did you know that nature has its own clean-up crew and recycling staff? Yeah, there aremany plants and animals that help recycle natural materials in our environment. They take deadmaterials and turn them back into rich soil. Use this...