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...

Fourth graders research soil layers and create a soil profile in a jar.  In this soil profile lesson, 4th graders working in groups, research a given layer of soil, make a 3-5 minute presentation to the class, and complete a...

Fourth graders investigate erosion. In this Science instructional activity, 4th graders explore the role of weathering and plant growth related to erosion. Students define the components of soil. Students explore the history of the Dust...

Fourth graders explore needed mineral nutrients for healthy soil. For this soil lesson, 4th graders investigate how living and nonliving elements combine to contribute to fertile soil development.

Students investigate the properties of rocks. In this geology lesson, students draw their profile and discuss what a soil profile would look like. Additionally, students demonstrate how to make soil by rubbing two pieces of sandstone...

Students simulate the conditions which occur in a soil aggregate. They explain how IPM affects the environment. They identify the cast of characteristics to develop their aggregate.

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...

Students grow plants in soil representing that found in the Amazon basin. They compare results to plants growing in fertile soil and soil fertilized with leaf compost. Students chart, average and graph plant growth by height. Students...

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...

Young scholars 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. 

Second graders complete activities to observe the effects of erosion. In this erosion instructional activity, 2nd graders define erosion and learn the process. Students complete an erosion experiment.

Students examine soil conservation. In this agricultural management lesson plan, students study how to use good practices for soil conservation. They discuss the Dust Bowl and poor land management from the 1940's to infer how we can be...

Second graders understand what a profile is and relate to the profile of soil. In this soil profile activity students use cereal to simulate soil profile. Students draw and label their profiles using accurate soil vocabulary.

Students investigate the 3 states of matter. In this physical science "matter" lesson, students observe and participate in a number of demonstrations involving melting and freezing water. Students observe the effect heat has on changing...

An interesting lesson on different types of soils is here for you. In it, learners discuss what soil is, and consider three piles of soil - clay, sand, and loam. During the rest of the lesson, third graders discover all sorts of...

Students examine the Dust Bowl and the effects of farming practices in the early 20th century. They read a handout, and conduct and discuss two experiments simulating soil erosion.

Students create their own compost.  In this soil lesson, students fill a bag with waste and soil, in order to create a mini compost bin. Students observe the baggies over a 6 week period, they record their findings and collect data...

Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure.  The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not...

Fourth graders study and identify the basic needs of a variety of organisms. Terrariums and aquariums are used to demonstrate what plants, animals, and fish need to stay alive. These two classic models are used to effectively convey what...

How can you provide healthy soil for your garden? Study worms, bacteria, and other microorganisms in a lesson about decomposition and organic compost. After discussing what you know about worms and watching a video, watch what worms do...

Here is an in-depth, and incredibly thorough lesson plan on sustainable agricultural practices; specifically, regarding the growth of coffee. After completing and discussing a worksheet called "Thinking About Tomorrow," groups of...

Students conduct a scientific investigation about organic or inorganic waste.  In this organic or inorganic waste lesson, students create a compost heap to determine the difference between inorganic and organic waste. Students...

Students investigate the behavior of isopods. For this isopod lesson plan, students make observations of an isopod and sketch the pillbug. They study the orientation of the isopods in relation to moisture in a chamber they construct from...

Pair earth scientists up to use an amazing online arctic portal mapping tool and Google Earth to analyze permafrost changes. They compare changes to data on atmospheric concentrations of methane to see if there is a correlation. Then...