Soil Layers Teacher Resources

Students build a model of the soil layers by filling a clear mason jar with six different colors of sand. The students work together to identify which color stands for which layer. They record the layers of their jar in a journal.

Students explore the soil layers in their local community. In this earth science lesson, students classify soil samples according to their texture. They explain how to estimate the depth of the active layer with measuring it.

It takes a strong foundation to build a house and a stronger one for a bridge. This resource presents the effects of geology and soil on bridge foundations. Working in groups, the class investigates the interaction of shallow and deep...

In this soil worksheet, students will use a diagram of a soil profile showing different soil layers to complete 7 short answer questions.

Students discuss what is found in soil. In this science lesson, students observe the soil outside and write down information in regards to location, vegetation, and topography. Students experiment with the soil and its many properties...

"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,...

Students study and classify soil. For 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...

Fourth graders research soil layers and create a soil profile in a jar.  In this soil profile lesson plan, 4th graders working in groups, research a given layer of soil, make a 3-5 minute presentation to the class, and complete a...

In this soil formation instructional activity, students will review examples of chemical weathering and biological weathering. Students will also review the different soil layers and how they are created. This instructional activity has...

Digging up a more valuable geology app than this one would be hard to do! This app introduces junior geologists to rocks, minerals, soil, and fossils with informational text, photographs, and videos. Check it out, but don't take it for...

Students explore the layers of soil. In this soil lesson, students investigate the different layers of soil. Students use cookies, crackers, and pudding to create an edible model of the soil layers.

It's time to roll up those sleeves and get a little dirty in the second lesson of this series on the science of food. Investigate where plants and animals get the minerals they need to live in this two-part exploration of soil. First,...

New ReviewGet a little dirty as your classes explore the aspects of healthy soil. Scholars learn that healthy soil has a different meaning for a farmer, a consumer, and an environmentalist. They also experiment with different soil types to analyze...

Varve: a deposit of cyclical sediments that help scientists determine historical climates. Individuals analyze the topography of a region and then study varve datasets from the same area. Using this information, they determine the...

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.

In this rocks and soils learning exercise, students will complete a Venn diagram comparing the specific characteristics of rocks and soils.

Ready to roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty? Dirty with soil science content, that is! Overcome those "But it's just dirt" objections with a trip outside to collect soil samples for some in-class analysis. Use the variety of...

Sift through soil and learn about why it's important for organic processes. After discussing what makes up soil, such as the living organisms and what types of soil have more nutrients, kids sample layers of mulch and deeper soil to...

This presentation on soil shows how it is formed, what the different types of soil are, how soil is eroded, and how soil can be conserved. Fantastic photos and excellent graphics and text are found in each of the slides. The last slide...

Students model the soils layers using Oreo's. In this lesson plan students use their favorite food items to create a model of soil layers. A discovery lesson plan from a youth camp is adapted for classroom modeling and discussion of soil...

Learners read and discuss the information that they read on the "Kentucky Coal, Reclamation and Subsidence." They then answer questions in reference to the reading. Some questions that students answer are: What is reclamation?, Name...

Learners recognize how the climate of the Hudson Valley has changed since the last glaciation. They explain these changes using a reconstruction of the land use changes in the Hudson Valley composed of confetti, Ziploc bags and other...

Students recognize how the climate of the Hudson Valley has changed since the last glaciation and be able to explain these changes. They reconstruct the paleoclimate of the Hudson Valley.

Teach your class the descriptive characteristics of soil. Provide information about particle size and a flow chart for assessing texture. Soil scientists then analyze samples and hypothesize which would be the best type for a rain...