It's time to roll up those sleeves and get a little dirty in the second instructional activity 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...

Third graders examine soil samples and explore the what happens in each layer of the subsoil. They work in cooperative groups to create a scroll that shows what takes place in each layer, and discuss why much of the activity is in the...

Students investigate soil temperatures. In this graphing and earth science lesson, students insert temperature probes into different types of soil at varying depths. Students complete a data chart and construct a related graph...

Students read about the history of soil and complete language arts, math, social studies, and more activities about soil. In this soil lesson plan, students complete fraction problems, create a school compost pile, write about conserving...

Students discuss some the different types of soil in Oklahoma. They identify the soil types and explore the characteristics of each type of soil. In groups, students perform hands-on activities such as taking soil samples, classifying...

Students examine soil samples and make observations. In this soil instructional activity, students participate in experiments to determine the components (mineral matter, organic matter, water air) in the soil. Students analyze a pie...

Pupils comprehend how percent of change and multipliers are used to determine volume for removal and replacement of soils. They calculate soil volume percent changes using data tables. They apply formulas to solve a variety of...

Students prepare their garden plot. In this gardening lesson, students use the Internet or book on plants to make sure the plants they have selected will be able to grow in their garden. The students assess and mark out the garden...

Third graders examine what makes soil by creating a Venn Diagram.  In this Earth environment lesson, 3rd graders identify the different components that soil is made from. Students bring soil from their homes to examine and create a...

Students gain an understanding of the small amount of soil available to sustain humans on earth and complete an appropriate graph or chart from their collected data. They locate some of the countries they have heard about where people do...

Students investigate seed growth by experimenting with different soils.  In this ecology lesson plan, students plant seeds in paper cups and add differing amounts of salt to enhance the growth process.  Students record which...

Students explore the need for good farm land and reasons for the disappearance of agricultural areas. They brainstorm environmental friendly decisions and soil conservation. In their community, students explore new land developments...

Students identify and interpret plant growth as well as gain graphing skills and other important knowledge related to potting plants. They take a regular milk jug and cut off the top, leaving the handle and the rest intact. Then,...

Students investigate, through a hands-on activity, in which type of soil a bean seed grows best. They create a bar graph representing each plant's growth in different soils.

Pupils study the effects of water erosion on soil by gathering and analyzing data during an experiment. They decide on appropriate units of measurement to apply in problem solving.

Introduce the topic of water conservation with a little drama. Dressed as snowflakes, hail stones, or rain drops class members dramatize the events in a narration of the water cycle. The series of lessons that follow focus on...

Junior geologists sort rocks and soil. They separate a sample of river gravel by size, shape, color, and other characteristics. To include Common Core standards, you could have little ones graph the number of particles in each sample.

Split the work three ways. Learners use their knowledge of fractions to solve problems dealing with splitting up work loads evenly between three groups. Scholars determine the fractional portion of work each group will do along with...

Responsible farming is important for maintaining natural resources. Eager scientists complete a WebQuest to explore what happens to nitrogen when it enters the soil. They learn about the chemical makeup of nitrogen-based molecules...

Give plants the best place to grow. Given constraints on plant spacing, pupils design a raised bed garden using graph paper, then calculate the perimeter, surface area, and volume. They use the provided costs of lumber and soil to...

Sixth graders determine how physical and biological agents and processes form and affect the soil. They analyze soil properties. Students evaluate ways in which human activities have affected the earth's pedosphere.

Students investigate the growth of seedlings planted in egg cartons in the classroom. Measurements are taken as the plants grow and charts created to organize the data.

Students problem solve to understand the value of the Earth's soil. In this value of dirt lesson plan, students understand how much of Earth is made of dirt and how important to our survival it is.

Students plant seeds, observe and tend plants. They identify major plant parts, how to germinate and troubleshoot problems with plants; and, that plants need water, light, and soil nutrients to thrive. They create a Plant Growth Data Log.