Unit Plan

Thinking Like A Soil Scientist

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Thinking Like A Soil Scientist unit plan also includes:

Ready to roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty? Dirty with soil science content, that is! Overcome those "But it's just dirt" objections with a trip outside to collect soil samples for some in-class analysis. Use the variety of printables to illustrate the geology concepts that might otherwise be a little muddy.

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CCSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Consider working with the soil forensics extension lab to let young investigators get some additional practice with soil analysis and density
Classroom Considerations
  • Don't be overwhelmed by the materials list! If you are in short supply, consider reaching out to parents in advance for donations of milk jugs, coffee cups, and detergent
  • Modify the two-day soil regions materials to reflect your state; the USGS provides state-specific information that you can use to make the activity your own
Pros
  • Road map contains all printable materials and provides interesting resources to help correct misconceptions about soil
  • Students collect and analyze their own soil samples and practice making detailed observations
Cons
  • None