Curated OER
SOIL
Second graders name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter; and explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many...
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What's in Wetland Soil?
Young scholars examine the organic and inorganic components of soil. In this environmental science instructional activity, students identify the factors that influence soil formation. They collect soil samples, conduct tests, and analyze...
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Soil and Volcanoes
In this soil and volcano worksheet, students read information about soil and volcanoes and answer questions provided. Students also build model of a volcano and participate in soil activities.
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The Properties of Clay
Sixth graders determine the physical properties of clay by examining ceramic works of art. They evaluate local soil samples for suitability for sculpting and compare clay taken from soil to manufactured clay.
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Investigating Animals in Soil
Students investigate and observe small animal activity on a plot of land on their school grounds. In small groups they identify the five kingdoms of animals, stake out a small plot of ground, collect samples, record and analyze any data...
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Digging up the Dirt on Soil Microbes
Students are introduced to the idea of soil as a habitat for many different organisms. They are introduced to the links between the biological adaptations of an organism and the physical demands of its habitat. Pupils are introduced to...
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How Are Soils Classified?
Young scholars list the three texture groups that classify soils. They classify a soil sample as sandy, silty or clay soil.
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Determining the Percolation Rate of Soil
Students 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...
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What is the Composition of Soil?
Students examine the different components that make up soil. Using data, they identify the components of soil in their local area and discover how scientists use the soil to see how it was formed. They also describe the soil forming...
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Soil Profile
Fourth graders research soil layers and create a soil profile in a jar. In this soil profile instructional activity, 4th graders working in groups, research a given layer of soil, make a 3-5 minute presentation to the class, and...
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Just Passing Through
Students explore how water moves through soil. They experiment with different soil types and record their findings.
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Demonstration of Factors Affecting Soil Temperature
Students examine the influences of water and mulch on soil temperature. In this investigative activity students complete a soil experiment.
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The"Dirt" on Soil
Students examine the three different types of soil and their physical properties. In this soil lesson students design and implement a model of a water treatment plant.
Kenan Fellows
Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – The Importance of Water
Water is essential for life—and understanding the importance of clean drinking water is essential in understanding sustainability! Show your environmental science class the basics of water testing and treatment through a week-long...
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Lower Elementary Lessons for Classroom and Garden
Learn important science topics by exploring the hobby of gardening. A 16-lesson unit explores several science topics through the lens of gardening. Pupils learn about erosion, soil characteristics, capacity, and several other topics as...
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Water Quality with Samples
Pupils recognize whether one wants to drink water, swim in it, or for the health of the organisms living in it. They prepare different water samples to observe and collect samples regarding the water quality.
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What is Soil?
Students identify the major components of soil, and distinguish different soils based on physical characteristics. They examine various soil samples and record their observations.
Teach Engineering
Messin' with Mixtures
Do you separate your trail mix before eating it? Then you've been separating mixtures your whole life! Scholars model a contaminated soil sample using trail mix and estimate the percentage of each component. They consider how to clean up...
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Marvelous Martian Mineralogy
Believe it or not ... martian soil does have nutrients needed for plants to survive! An out-of-this-world tutorial moves scholars through an analysis of martian soil to determine its chemical make-up. Pupils analyze reflectivity of...
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Studying Soils on South Penquite Farm
Students investigate soil depth. In this studying soils lesson, students visit South Penquite Farm and collect samples. Students record their data and graph results.
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Determine Soil Particle Size
Students examine various soil samples in groups. Using the samples, they identify the characteristics of them and calculate percolation and infiltration rates. They use this information to discover why some species can survive in one...
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Organic Matter in Soils
Students examine soil samples for the presence of organic matter. They determine which soil sample from their area contains the highest amount of organic matter.
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Testing Soils for Garden Planting
Sixth graders collect soil samples and record the location of the samples by using GPS.
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Is Soil Alive?
Third graders observe soil samples. They then form hypotheses as to whether or not soil is alive. Students read and discuss information about soil and components of soil. They state wheter or not they believe soil is alive and list...