Fourth and fifth graders explore soil by taking a simulated field trip under the earth. They go to an Internet site that runs a simulation which charges them with finding a source of pollution that could destroy all of Earth's soil, and...

Young geographers collect samples of different kinds of soil to match to the soil terms in Barry Rudner's rhyming book Filet of Soil: dirt, mud, dust, soot, etc. They start a glossary for the project on index cards or large sheets...

Students explore decomposition and soil health by creating their own garden.  In this agriculture lesson, students build a "lasagna garden" with organic matter found in the area and plant perennials native to their region....

Breathe some new life into charcoal. Scholars use biochar to improve soil fertility. They test the effectiveness of this addition by conducting an experiment with soil having 0%, 2%, and 4% biochar.

Students examine the soil in their local area and create a soil profile. They record observations in the field and the classroom. They create their own display of the soil profile as well.

Students explore the role and importance of soil in the ecosystem.  In this Science and Social Studies lesson, students complete an experiment using various kinds of soil and clay and then examine how soil has a direct impact on our...

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 examine the components of soil. They work together to use different materials to create their own soil. They make their own dirt cake as well.

Students read about the history of soil and complete language arts, math, social studies, and more activities about soil. In this soil lesson plan, students complete fraction problems, create a school compost pile, write about conserving...

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

Young scholars study living and non-living materials that are found in soil. They study the things required by plants and animals to remain healthy. They design a collage of sand, stones, leaves and other natural items.

Dirt is worthless, isn't it? Find out the true value of dirt, and by dirt I mean soil. The class explores what makes soil, the types of soil, and what happens when soil becomes void of its nutrients. There are several great activities,...

Seventy thousand different types of soil exist in the United States alone. Young scientists learn about the importance of soil to the food supply. They test soil for a variety of factors and determine the best place to set up a community...

Students study and classify soil. In this soil science instructional activity, 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 make predictions and analyze soil. In this soil properties activity, students make predictions about soil properties for various soil samples. Students examine the types of soils and record their observations. Students analyze...

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...

Sixth graders examine how different soils are made up of varying proportions of clay, silt, and sand. They compare soil samples, conduct Internet research, and create a model to demonstrate the relative sizes of grains of clay, sand, and...

Learners study soil, living and non-living particles in the soil, and learn about composting. In this soil study instructional activity, students study soil samples and discuss the living and non-living components of the soil. Learners...

Students model the soils layers using Oreo's. For this lesson students use their favorite food items to create a model of soil layers. A discovery lesson from a youth camp is adapted for classroom modeling and discussion of soil...

Students test the pH of soil samples they collected from the field trip. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate acids and bases. They write a lab report about the experiment.

Students create their own compost.  In this soil instructional activity, 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...

Students investigate botany by creating a soil separating device.  In this plant life lesson, students identify the needs of plants and how important the right soil is in the growing process.  Students define different soil...

Students prepare their garden plot. In this gardening lesson, students use the Internet or book on plants to make sure the plants they have selected will be able to grow in their garden. The students assess and mark out the garden...

Students explore the Earth's crust by researching pH levels and acidity. In this environmental safety lesson, students identify the pros and cons of acidity within soil and how it affects plants. Students collaborate in a pH level...