Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Determining the Percolation Rate of Soil

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners discover how water moves through different types of soils. In groups, they use the same sample from a previous activity and empty it into a milk carton in which they have layered with cheesecloth to determine the percolation...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Nutrients - Phosphorus Lab Lesson Plan

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students list sources of phosphorus in soil. They explain how phosphorus is removed from the soil and used by plants. Students list the symptoms of insufficient or excess phosphorus. Students perform experiments to examine the effect of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Filtration

For Teachers 6th - 8th
As an example of nature's water filtering system, young ecologists conduct an experiment in the lab. They construct a funnel out of a plastic bottle, fill it with specified layers of materials that simulate layers of soil, then run muddy...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation 6 - Soil Profile

For Teachers 4th
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 -...
Lesson Plan
NASA

The Case of the Wacky Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Join the tree house detectives in learning about the processes of the water cycle, water conservation, water treatment, and water as a limited resource.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Soil?

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners examine soil. In this earth science lesson, students define and describe weathering and erosion as it relates to soil. Learners compare and contrast potting soil with forest soil and complete a science observation worksheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fieldwork: Horizons Under Ground: Digging Through Wetland Soil

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars study the different soil types and describe the different soils in various environments.  In this soil lesson students walk to a reserve and discuss what they saw. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Layers of The Past

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders identify methods archaeologists use to date soil layers. They interpret soil profiles and discuss the examination of soil at a dig site. They discuss texture and color of soil.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Edible Soil

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners model the soils layers using Oreo's. In this lesson students use their favorite food items to create a model of soil layers. A discovery lesson from a youth camp is adapted for classroom modeling and discussion of soil...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil and Agriculture:Lesson 3 - Soil Erosion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students reseach the different types of soil erosion and ways to control it in this series of activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Isn't a Dirty Word

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Learners investigate the properties of rocks. In this geology lesson, students draw their profile and discuss what a soil profile would look like. Additionally, learners demonstrate how to make soil by rubbing two pieces of sandstone...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Three Worm Phyla

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders examine the three worm phyla. In this classification lesson, 9th graders observe, compare and contrast the planarian, tapeworm, and fluke.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trees

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students investigate the parts of a tree, measure its circumference and the length and width of its longest branch. The data is compiled and placed into a bar graph.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shake, Rattle & Roll

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Pupils examine soil. In this science instructional activity, students examine the layers of soil. Pupils collect soil from various locations and separate the layers. Students record and chart their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

SCRUMPTIOUS SOIL

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students engage in investigations that lead to the discovery that earth materials consist of rocks, soils, water, and air. They build models of soil profiles, using breakfast cereal and other edible materials. They observe how water...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Erosion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how erosion is affected by the composition of the soil and the slope of the land. They look at plant roots, rocks and land slope as experimental factors. They complete the associated worksheets before discussing their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks and Soil

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the physical properties of rocks. They explore the three different types of rocks and are able to compare and contrast their different properties. Students simulate the creation of sedimentary rock, they also...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil and Water

For Teachers 1st - 9th
Learners study soil and how particle and pore size affect water movement.  In this soil lesson students complete a lab activity to investigate pore saturation and sponge like behavior. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

King of the Mound

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners investigate water as an agent of change. They conduct an experiment involving a mound of soil, observe and record any changes that occur when ice melts on the mound of dirt, and create a drawing of the changes that take place...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Edible Soil

For Teachers 1st - 8th
Students examine the components of the soil in their community. Following directions, they create their own edible soil to be eaten at the end of the activity. They discuss what makes soils around the world different from those found...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is in Soil?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify and examine the components that make up soil. Individually, they use a magnifying glass to identify the organic and inorganic material in their soil sample. To end the lesson, they record the differences in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geology/Earth Structure

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine the rock-soil cycle. They identify the steps and describe what happens. They also discover the three layers of soil.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lead Detection

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore one method for the detection of lead in soil. The detection of the presence of lead in soil can be determined sensitively using inexpensive swabs. Pupils collect several spoonfuls of soil from various parts of their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects of Over Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation on the Growth of Plants and Bacteria

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the effects of UV light and ozone on plant and bacteria growth. In this ultraviolet light and ozone lesson plan, students grow bean and mustard greens to study the effects of UV light and ozone on the plant growth....