University of Wisconsin
Identifying Your Soil for Rain Gardens
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...
Cornell University
Study Soil
What's in soil? Young scientists study the pH levels of soil from their school yard. They observe the land and area the soil came from to decide if location has anything to do with acidity level.
Curated OER
Soil Soakers
Students work together to discover the relationship between water holding and drainage characteristics of soils. They record their observations and discuss the results. They examine particle size and pore sizes as well.
Curated OER
Environmental Requirements
All aspects of soil and its components are reviewed here. Your class will learn how certain organisms help the quality of the earth and support growth. Different ways to enhance the chemical make-up are described and will be valuable...
Curated OER
Soil Erosion
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...
Curated OER
Selecting Soil For a Sports Field
For this science worksheet, students take part in a laboratory exploration looking at different types of soil. The soil is evaluated in order to fill the role of becoming a sports field.
Curated OER
Water Retention and Soil Variation in Local Ecosystems
Students identify the differences in local soil types and the relationship between soil size and water retention. They are introduced to microenvironmental conditions in ecosystem sustainability.
Curated OER
Establishing a Lawn
The techniques for preparing soil before laying, or seeding, a lawn is covered in this set of slides. Ideal pH, fertilizer, and drainage is described. Details of the best seed type for different conditions are also given. Pictures to...
Curated OER
Soil Permeability & Texture
Students investigate types of soil to test their water permeability. They collect soil samples, make predictions, conduct the experiment, and answer conclusion questions.
Curated OER
Soil Composition
Young scholars investigate how soil composition affects plant growth. In small groups, they plant various seeds in different soil mixtures, record plant and seed growth, and analyze the results.
Curated OER
Lesson 3 - Water Above the Ground
Students define surface water, drainage basin or watershed. They investigate what affects runoff in a drainage basin. They complete lab sheets and worksheets.
Curated OER
Sustainable Agriculture
Students perform an experiment to find out if plants grow best when grown in soil with no fertilizer, with chemical fertilizers, or with compost that they have made themselves. Students discover how agriculture practices can benefit the...
Curated OER
Soil Factors
Eighth graders study the nine soil factors to use in field study and to complete an exam. They learn the components and characteristics of soil.
Curated OER
Soil and Agriculture: Lesson 4 - Agriculture and Soil
Students determine how the various levels of minerals in the soil, as well as the pH of the soil, affect the growth of plants in these plant growth experiments.
Curated OER
Eye On Conservation Drainage Basin
Students are able to describe the importance of wetland vegetation. They describe the impacts human activities have on water systems. Students compare and contrast the effect of different soil types on water filtration.
Rivanna Regional Stormwater Education Partnership
Does It Soak Right In?
Which materials are best for groundwater runoff, and which are best for percolation? Discuss the water table with several experiments about different types of soil, pollution, precipitation, and filtration. The experiments assign roles...
Curated OER
WATER FROM HERE TO YONDER
Students identify local watersheds and drainage areas by using maps and other resources. They are given copies of the water cycle. Students discuss the movement of water in the environment. They observe, record and transfer information...
Curated OER
Manage Soil
Students identify and classify soil ypes according to data on the soil triangle. Given examples, students identify soil conservation practices, using criterion assessment instrument. When giving a case situation involving soil...
University of Wisconsin
Sizing a Rain Garden
Most appropriate if you are applying the entire unit to build a rain garden at your school, this installment involves calculating the area that will drain into it. Your garden planners will need data from previous lessons, so this one...
Curated OER
Composting
Using 2-liter bottles, junior ecologists create composting tubes in which they place nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. They observe what changes occur over two weeks' time. Provide more specific direction to your class as to what...
Curated OER
Unit 21 Terrariums
The history of terrariums and how to construct one are presented in this PowerPoint. Each important step aspect of terrarium care is discussed: selecting a container, drainage, soil, types of plants, and maintenance. You will want to...
Curated OER
Working Worms
Students study earthworms and their role in creating healthy soil for healthy food. In this earthworms and soil lesson, students complete an jug experiment to learn about the role of earthworms and healthy soil. Students read and discuss...
Curated OER
Reducing Rain Runoff
Students compare roofing materials to determine which ones reduce rain runoff. In this rain runoff lesson plan, students use a milk carton, stickers, soil, and more to create this activity.
Curated OER
Dynamic Wetlands
Learners construct and observe a model of two different types of wetlands. In this wetlands lesson, students create a model of a wetland with constant drainage and a wetland that maintains a well-saturated soil. Learners observe and...