Plant and Soil Science Lesson Plans

Students investigate chemicals in soil samples. In this soil science instructional activity, students test local soil to measure the pH, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium content.

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 kinds of plants.

Students explore the role and importance of soil in the ecosystem.  In this Science and Social Studies lesson, students complete an experiment using various kinds of soil and clay and then examine how soil has a direct impact on our environment and society.

Students create an all-natural water filtration system. In this lesson on natural water filtration, students build upon prior knowledge to build a filtration unit made of plants, soils, sand, pebbles and rocks that can purify contaminated water. This lesson includes extensions, experiments, and a web-link which provides necessary background information.

Students conduct background research on the decomposition process, soil composition, and the life cycle using the resources provided for Internet searches. They work in collaborative groups to research topics as a particular plant, soil erosion, etc.

Young scholars sequence stages in the life of a wheat plant. They identify the six main parts of the wheat plant. They plant some kernels of wheat in the classroom so students can watch the growth and development. They record the plant's progress on a calendar posted near the growing plant.

This instructional activity is an investigation of soil properties, particularly texture, color and space for air and water. Student inspect soil samples found in their locale, perform several tests to determine different properties, and involves a field-site investigation of soil detailed in individual science journals.

Second graders name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter; and explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many kinds of plants.

Students investigate the pH of the soil in which different plants grow. They design and carry out an experiment to determine the factors that affect the growth of a population of plants, identifying and controlling major variables (e.g., examine the effect on plant growth of the quantity of nutrients, or the quantity and quality of light, or temperature, or salinity).

Students examine soil. For 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.