Instructional Video3:00
Curated Video

Abiotic Factors in Ecosystems

6th - 12th
What happens when non-living factors in an ecosystem are altered, such as rainfall or air quality? Biology - Ecosystems - Learning Points. An ecosystem is a living system interacting with its physical habitat. Changes in biotic and...
Instructional Video3:43
New Mexico State University

Soil Sampling: Random Sampling a Small Field with Hammer Probe

9th - 12th
There's some serious science behind farming! A quick video lesson presents the process of collecting a random field soil sample for analysis. Instruction includes what a random sample looks like as well as how to prepare the sample for...
Instructional Video2:51
New Mexico State University

Soil Sampling: Soil Variability

9th - 12th
Not all soil is created equal. Learners examine what to look for in a soil sample to identify key characteristics that don't require lab testing. They see that it's easy to verify observations by comparing the samples to a soil map.
Instructional Video3:21
New Mexico State University

Soil Sampling: Random Sampling Across a Large Field with Hammer Probe

9th - 12th
What defines a random sample? Scholars learn how to collect a random soil sample from a large field. The narrator explains the importance of ensuring the sample is random and shows how to create a random sample before sending it to the lab.
Instructional Video2:57
New Mexico State University

Properties of Soil: Particle Size

9th - 12th
Soil is 25 percent air on average. Learners may have a difficult time accepting that fact without a visual to demonstrate the property. A quick video lesson uses a model to show how this percentage is true and also discusses the...
Instructional Video4:19
Learning Games Lab

Why Study Soil?

9th - 12th Standards
Some scientists spend their entire careers analyzing and learning about soils. An interesting video lesson provides an overview of what soil scientists do and why. Pupils learn how soil analysis connects to other branches of science...
Instructional Video3:45
Learning Games Lab

Soil Infiltration: Soil Porosity Testing

9th - 12th Standards
Soil pollution has a longer reach than may seem possible. A video presentation demonstrates how a seemingly isolated soil contamination spreads and even reaches waterways. The lesson demonstrates how scientists conduct porosity tests...
Instructional Video2:28
Learning Games Lab

Unavailability of Water in Saline Soils

9th - 12th Standards
Viewers of a short video learn about salt and water molecules and how their characteristics determine how they interact with each other. Then, they watch a simulation of how the interaction limits the uptake of water in plant roots and...
Instructional Video4:10
Learning Games Lab

The Olsen Test for Phosphorus

9th - 12th Standards
A short video teaches viewers about the Olsen Test, a soil test specific for plants grown in arid regions. The soil in arid regions has a higher pH and plants require special treatment to thrive. The video provides information about the...
Instructional Video2:45
Learning Games Lab

Properties of Soil

9th - 12th Standards
How do the different types of soil allow water to flow? Scholars compare flocculated and dispersed soils and their ability to move water through the soil. Silt, sand, and clay particles clump together and create large pores in the soil...
Instructional Video3:33
MinuteEarth

Why Poor Places Are More Diverse

6th - 12th Standards
Poor soil actually grows the most diverse plants. Although this sounds like a contradictory statement, the video lesson explains how and why this is true. Learners discover how rich soils typically cater to the stronger, faster-growing...
Instructional Video5:36
Fuse School

Acid Rain

9th - 12th
Rain, rain, go away ... at least if your pH is below six! The sixth installment in a series of seven videos teaching about pollution and our atmosphere shows learners the facts about acid rain. Embedded pauses allow you to stop and check...
Instructional Video3:44
SciShow Kids

What's the Dirt on ... Dirt?

K - 5th Standards
Dirt or soil? What's the difference? Actually, dirt is soil as explained by the video's high-energy speaker who goes on to emphasize its importance. She describes the composition of soil as minerals, water, air,...
Instructional Video
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Investigating Soil Composition

9th - 10th
This video explores different properties such as rock type, the age of soil, vegetation, and the climate can all contribute to soil composition. [5:43]