Fifth graders examine how sand and rock fragments in soil are products of erosion or the weathering of rocks. They listen to the book "Sand" by Ellen J. Prager and answer discussion questions. Next, they analyze sand samples and sort...

Students discuss what is found in soil. In this science lesson, students observe the soil outside and write down information in regards to location, vegetation, and topography. Students experiment with the soil and its many properties...

Students discuss soil understanding that is is often overlooked as a natural resource. In this science lesson, students recognize that we depend on it for energy in the form of foods. Students experiment with six boxes of soil to help in...

Students create soil profiles, including rock, clay, silt, sand, and humus, in clear plastic cups out of edible materials.

Students explore the porosity of soil. In this soil lesson, students conduct an experiment which shows the porosity of different types of soil. They use sand, silt, and clay to see how soil particles are more or less aerated and thus...

Students investigate soil contents. In this soil lesson, students gather samples of soil and record their findings on a graphic organizer. After analyzing the material in the soil, students illustrate the layers they found.

Young scientists create their very own aquifers in this science lesson on ground water. After learning about how some people get their drinking water from underground wells, young learners use sand, modeling clay, and aquarium rocks to...

Take your science class on a hypothetical field trip to Mars with an engaging astronomy lesson. After first learning about NASA's Mars rover missions, young scientists plan their own scientific investigations of Earth's...

NASA has crafted an imaginative and memorable series of lessons, "NASA and Jamestown Education Module." This lesson is one of the five components. In it, middle schoolers connect history and science by comparing the settlement of...

Students study and classify soil. For this soil science lesson, students classify soil by texture and size and study soil horizons. Students label the soil types with their specific soil horizon and learn about permafrost. Students...

Students complete hands-on activities and watch a video to learn about soil erosion. In this erosion instructional activity, students use hands-on studies to investigate soil erosion. Students then visit the given websites to identify...

Students study soil, living and non-living particles in the soil, and learn about composting. In this soil study lesson, students study soil samples and discuss the living and non-living components of the soil. Students classify the...

Students investigate chemicals in soil samples. In this soil science lesson, students test local soil to measure the pH, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium content.

Students examine soil from their local environment.  For this garden lesson, students recognize the importance of soil in the garden. Students explore the contents of the local soil.

Learners study soil characteristics and identify properties of soils from different parts of the solar system.  For this soil lesson students divide into groups, read soil descriptions, test and record soil samples. 

Eighth graders identify the composition of a soil sample. In this archaeology lesson, 8th graders describe the different soil layers formed in their activity. They explain how this pattern help archaeologists evaluate soil types.

Young scholars brainstorm what the solution to soil pollution is, where it comes from and what can be done to preserve and protect the Earth. They identify ways that they can start at home to erase soil pollution and draw a picture...

Young scholars study the life cycle of plants by growing a seed in a paper cup. They record observations of the changes they see. When the plant sprouts, they plant it in soil in a paper cup. Next, they continue to draw and date their...

Students identify the four basic natural resources. They distinguish bettween renewable and non-renewable resources. Pupils recognize that all natural resources are needed by living plants and animals. Students list consequences for...

Second graders examine the six nutrients humans need to maintain good heath. In this ecosystem instructional activity, 2nd graders learn about how plants grow and compare how humans need nutrients from plants to how plants need nutrients...

Students 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 the...

Fourth graders examine soil to find its contents, and how much water and air they can measure.  In this soil composition lesson, 4th graders perform three experiments and record their results.  In one experiment they examine...

Students are introduced to the concept of specific heat. In groups, they are given a set of data showing the temperatures of air and soil samples in which they calculate the ranges of the data. They identify whether the air or soil...

This lesson is designed after research done on the ecology of soil lichen in the Tucson Basin area during the summers of 1997 and 1998. Its purpose is to guide learners into adopting the problem solving thinking of ecologists. The lesson...