Lesson plan engages learners to separate, examine and identify the major components of soil to better understand how these components give soil its unique physical characteristics.

By reading this section of a chapter on "Westward Expansion," students will be able to describe the terms of the Wilmot Proviso and the Compromise of 1850, discuss why the Free-Soil Party objected to the westward expansion of slavery and...

Learn what soils are and why they are important. Discusses soil profiles, types of soils, soil conservation, soil ecosystems, and soil formation.

In this storybook, the GLOBE Kids are on the trail of Scoop, an eager dog who loves to dig holes in the soil. At each hole Scoop has dug, the Kids use their journals to record characteristics of the soil. Learning activities help...

An article discussing how the National Parks Service uses the soil program to manage soil sustainability. Learn how maintaining the soil is key to protect many other areas in the National Park Services.

Learn about the types of soils and soil preservation.

Provides background to the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 and its later amendments. Describes how input was gathered from various public interest groups. The full report, an information sheet, summaries of meetings,...

Description of the work of soil scientists, including duties, working conditions, educational requirements, outlook, and wages.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about the causes of soil erosion. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.

Compare soil composition from different regions of the Earth, including the Galapagos Islands, and perform analysis of three important macronutrients found in regional soil.

Find out about the career of plant scientist from this Science Buddies career profile. If you are interested in biology, this specialization in soil and plant science might be for you. Read about the qualifications and education...

This article contains an overview of the history of the Free Soil Party, its leaders, their beliefs, and eventually joined with the National Union Party to form the newly formed Republican Party in 1854.

This site has excellent resources for teaching students about plants. It has a guide to scientific investigation and a glossary of plant terms. There are three lessons that each include a slideshow on the parts of a plant, the needs of...

Mapping the earth's soils can help us understand how the land can be used. Find out how to use soil characteristics obtained through soil surveys to create a soil map. Learn about the methods of soil mapping including digital soil mapping.

Conduct a soil test to find out what nutrients your soil is lacking. This site gives directions on how to gather a soil sample and what nutrients you should test for to get the best soil.

Against the backdrop of the devastating 1930's Dust Bowl, this video segment adapted from Interactive NOVA profiles an organic farmer and the techniques he uses to conserve topsoil.

Site gives a fairly high level breakdown of the general contents of a fertilizer (the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur content) and what that does for soil.

Looks at types and sources of land pollution, the impact, soil contamination, what individuals can do to combat land pollution, and tips for recycling.

In this lesson, students learn the value of soil and its role as a natural resource.

This site focuses on Ivan S. Turgenev; it features links to his biography, and to the full text of two novels: A House of Gentlefolk and Virgin Soil, and two short stories: "The District Doctor" and "Mumu".

This site provides a thorough fact sheet of a taiga forest (or boreal forest as it is otherwise known). Content includes a look at the forest climate, vegetation, growth forms, and soil. Additional information can be found on the alpine...

Facts about the health hazards associated with lead, where it can be found, when it is the most hazardous, how to check family members and your home for lead, and issues with older homes and with renovating. Includes links to numerous...

Wessels Living History Farm explains some of the history behind contour plowing in the United States. Great photo illustrating contour planting on terraces in Iowa included.

This is part of a virtual geography project from Radford University. Learn about the climate, vegetation, grasses, soil and fauna of the temperate grasslands.