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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Getting the Dirt on Soils

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners examine soils and the components that make them up. In this hands-on soil science lesson, students receive soil samples and must identify the various aspect which make up soil.   
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PPT
Curated OER

Soil Fertility

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Fertility in soil is the topic of this presentation. Future farmers will be able to define fertilizer, list ten essential soil elements, and describe the roles of both primary and secondary nutrients in plant production. Although there...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's in Soil?

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students examine soil samples and make observations. In this soil lesson plan, students participate in experiments to determine the components (mineral matter, organic matter, water air) in the soil. Students analyze a pie graph on the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil pH Effect on Germination of Specific Weeds

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners collect weed seeds from three varieties of weeds (knapweed, thistle, or toadflax, for example they may choose others in addition to the spotted knapweed.) They sterilize soil for thirty containers, plant seeds in sterile soil,...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Modeling a Soil Profile

For Students 7th - 10th
In this soil profile worksheet, students use a cup to create the layers of soil using clay, sand, gravel and dirt. Students label each component as either A, B, or C horizon and the bedrock. They answer questions about their model.
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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

Types by Texture: Soil Isn't a Dirty Word

For Teachers 2nd
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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil in My Food Web

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders understand the importance of soil to the food web.  For this food web lesson, 4th graders create various food webs beginning with soil using yarn and name cards.  Students write about the importance of soil to one organism.
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Lesson Plan
Education Outside

Soil Composition & Discovery

For Teachers 2nd Standards
Organic or mineral? How does the matter matter? Second graders use their knowledge of the rock cycle to label the different components in garden soil.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is in Soil?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify and examine the components that make up soil. Individually, they use a magnifying glass to identify the organic and inorganic material in their soil sample. To end the lesson, they record the differences in the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Secrets to Healthy Soil

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

Rockin' Minerals

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders view a clip of the video Backyard Safari, "Rocks and Minerals," and discuss properties of rocks and minerals. They view and discuss a clip on where rocks and minerals are found.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Formation

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders investigate how soil is formed. They analyze types of soil samples, examine soil using a magnifying glass or microscope, complete a chart, conduct a soil and plant experiment, and construct a soil profile.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Soil Chain

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders show the needs of plants met by soil. In this Science lesson, 4th graders detail the components of soil and determine which are living or once living and non-living. Students determine the needs of plant growth that are...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation 7 - Plants In Soil

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explain how the components of soil effect plant growth. They brainstorm different kinds of materials that plants could use for structural support. They design an experiment to show that plants can grow without soil.
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Organizer
Curated OER

What Makes Up Rocks and Soils?

For Students 4th - 8th
In this rocks and soils instructional activity, students will complete a Venn diagram comparing the specific characteristics of rocks and soils.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Uses of Rocks and Minerals

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore the uses of rocks and minerals. They make observations to identify objects from the present and past are made out of rocks.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Profile

For Teachers 4th
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 worksheet. ...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create a Soil Aggregate

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil and Water

For Teachers 1st - 9th
Students 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. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What on Earth is in the Earth?

For Teachers K
Students explore the physical properties of sand, soil, and rocks and sort, classify, compare, and contrast the materials found in the soil. The differences between the living and non-living parts of the soil is discussed.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classifying Rocks

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders classify rocks. In this rocks and minerals lesson, 3rd graders observe, make inferences and conclusions about rocks, minerals, soil and fossils.
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Unit Plan
Columbus City Schools

What is in that?

For Teachers 6th Standards
Invite your class to dig in to an engaging journey into the world of mining! Here you'll find the tools to equip young miners with knowledge of soil, rocks, and minerals, as well as types of mining operations. To round things out, the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Soil Separator

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students investigate botany by creating a soil separating device.  In this plant life activity, students identify the needs of plants and how important the right soil is in the growing process.  Students define different soil types and...