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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Super Soil

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students compare the organic matter found in soil. In this soil lesson, students compare a commercial garden mix soil to their local soil and determine which has more organic material.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Natural Resources Matter

For Students 4th - 7th
This natural resources worksheet includes discussion activities about natural resources, 2 word searches, and a list of related books and videos.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building Soil Nature's Way: Exploring decomposition and soil health

For Teachers 4th - 6th
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.  Students are...
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PPT
Curated OER

Soil Characteristics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Components of soil, such as inorganic or organic materials are detailed along with the main contributions of each. Deposits, weathering, and distinct types of characteristics and properties of soil classes are given.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Composting "The Right Mix"

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the correct mix of material types for compost. In this composting lesson, students explore the correct amounts of different types of materials to create a compost heap. Students then create a compost heap.
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PPT
Curated OER

Organic Matter

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Written for an agriculture curriculum, this presentation on organic matter is also informative for gardening or horticulture classes. It details the chemical makeup, affecting factors, functions, maintenance, and composting to create a...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Composition

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students examine soil. In this soil composition lesson 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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil, the Forgotten Resource

For Teachers 6th - 10th
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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Perkin' Through the Pores

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students investigate how organic matter increases the amount of water soil will hold. In this water soil lesson plan, students use soil and measure water amounts using organic matter. Students measure the water holding capacities.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation 6 - Soil Profile

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study the components of soil. They observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth. They record color, texture, and kinds of materials on their profile log (light color, denser, grittier -...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter. They explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Isn't Dirty; It's Diverse!

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders participate in a soil activity.  In this soil lesson students complete a worksheet describing  different soil types and the organic and inorganic things found in them. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Perkin' Through the Pores

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore different levels of soil. In this soil lesson, 4th graders investigate the amount water that can be absorbed by topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock.
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Organizer
Curated OER

Soil and Volcanoes

For Students 7th - 8th
In this soil and volcano worksheet, students read information about soil and volcanoes and answer questions provided. Students also build model of a volcano and participate in soil activities.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Organic Matter in Soils

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students recognize the presence of organic matter in soils from their immediate area and recognize which soil sample contains the highest concentration of organic matter.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cows, Worms, and Compost

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students study decomposition. In this decomposition lesson, students discuss the background information about decomposition. Students then complete the 'Chew It Twice' worksheet.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Origin of Coal

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore how coal is formed. They then discuss the information and answer any questions that they may have on the formation of coal. Students then answer questions in reference to the coal discussion and reading.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Organic Matter in Soils

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Learners examine soil samples for the presence of organic matter. They determine which soil sample from their area contains the highest amount of organic matter.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Get the Dirt

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate a variety of soil samples placed in cold water jars. Layers of soil are examined for the difference between organic matter and rock fragments.