University of Georgia
Density and Texture of Soil
All soil is not created equal! A lab activity asks learners to collect and analyze soil. Specific calculations determine the amount of sand, silt, and clay in a sample and allow individuals to identify the soil texture.
Captain Planet Foundation
Sorting Out Soils
Sift through soil and learn about why it's important for organic processes. After discussing what makes up soil, such as the living organisms and what types of soil have more nutrients, kids sample layers of mulch and deeper soil to...
Curated OER
Analyzing Soil Samples
Students grow grass or radish seeds in this experiment, which takes three to four weeks to complete. They become familiar with basic soil analysis techniques, as well as, explore the importance of analyzing soil samples.
Curated OER
Soil Testing and Texturing
Students are introduced to soil textures and why they are important in examining soil quality. They find out how to feel the difference between soil textures. Pupils describe which soil texture is best for gardens and growing healthy...
Curated OER
Soil Detectives: The Case of the Lost Friends
Young scholars show how soil varies across the landscape, they explain how soil can be used to solve mysteries. Pupils are introduced to techniques that would be used to distinguish soils from different places.
South Penquite Farms
Measuring Soil Temperatures
Using an auger, start-up soil scientists bore a core of soil. They examine the sample and record the temperature at three depths in the borehole. This is an attractive activity sheet that succinctly guides your earth science class...
University of Wisconsin
Infiltration Test: Exploring the Flow of Water Through Soils
Soil scientists gain experience with an infiltrometer can to determine the infiltration rates at different locations on campus. If you are using the entire unit, the class has already analyzed water flow and soil types, so they should...
Curated OER
Fieldwork: Horizons Under Ground: Digging Through Wetland Soil
Students study the different soil types and describe the different soils in various environments. In this soil lesson students walk to a reserve and discuss what they saw.
Curated OER
Sustainable Agriculture: Soils And Food Production
Ninth graders recognize differences in soil quality from one area to another. They describe the importance of organic matter in soil health and suggest ideas that help provide adequate food supplies for the world. The interview a person...
Curated OER
What Kind of Garden Would Grow in Our Schoolyard?
Students perform soil tests for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, composition and water percolation rate and assess the conditions in the schoolyard.
Curated OER
Testing for Chemicals in Soils
Students use sight, touch and chemical test kits to evaluate and classify soil types. They determine the organic content, soil pH, conduct visual analysis and nutrient tests of a variety of soil samples from various sources.
Curated OER
Soil Isn't Dirty; It's Diverse!
Second graders participate in a soil activity. In this soil activity students complete a worksheet describing different soil types and the organic and inorganic things found in them.
Curated OER
Getting the Dirt on Soils
Learners examine soils and the components that make them up. For this hands-on soil science lesson, students receive soil samples and must identify the various aspect which make up soil.
Curated OER
Soil Composition
Students examine soil. In this soil composition activity students participate in soil sedimentation and filtration activities. The students discuss what non-living and living things are in soil and why it is so important.
Curated OER
Investigating Planetary Soils
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.
Curated OER
soil, Water, and Plants
Students examine the relationship between water retention and plant growth by conducting two experiments. They first compare the water retention qualities of clay, sand and loam soil types. Then they use the data from the first...
Curated OER
What Plants Need in Order to Survive and Grow: Soil
Students conduct an experiment to evaluate whether plants need soil to survive and grow. They plant two seeds, one with soil and one without, make predictions, and record and analyze the seed germination results on a worksheet.
Curated OER
Soils and Particle Size
In this soil worksheet, students are given a "Textural Triangle" showing the percent of clay, sand and silt in soil as well as measurements of the particles found in soil.
Curated OER
Types by Texture: Soil Isn't a Dirty Word
Second graders experiment with different types of soil to find the texture. In this types of soil experiment, shake a jar of soil and water and record the settling of the soil. Students record again after 3-4 hours and note the level...
Curated OER
Playing In The Dirt - Discovering Soil
Learners 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...
Curated OER
Just Passing Through
Students explore how water moves through soil. They experiment with different soil types and record their findings.
Curated OER
Layering the Soil
Students study and classify soil. In 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...
Curated OER
Getting to Know Soil
Students make predictions and analyze soil. In this soil properties instructional activity, students make predictions about soil properties for various soil samples. Students examine the types of soils and record their observations....
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...