T E A C H I N G N O T E S

Stacey Cagenello

Carol Derham

Cindy Meyers

Melissa Nappi

April 25, 2000

Soil is not one thing but rather a blend of many constantly changing components. Just as different parts of the country have different soil types, you will be able to see variations in soil makeup in a small area. Three to six different types of soil may be found on the average property. These differences are due to the variation in the amounts of three different solid materials: sand, silt, and clay.

Sand is composed of silicates and is porous. Nutrients leech out easily and sand has little ability to hold moisture. Sand by itself has no value as a productive soil, but its porous qualities are important for allowing air and water to penetrate through the soil to reach plant roots.

Silt is made up of smaller particles. Silt helps hold moisture and nutrients in the soil so they will be available to plants.

Clay is made up of finely ground materials that cling together. Clay is a wonderful material to make bricks out of, but too much in soil can cause problems. Although it is rich in nutrients, too much clay in soil will cause it to become impenetrable to moisture and air.

Humus is another important component in soil. Humus is the decayed matter from vegetables and animals. These materials were broken down by microorganisms, which live in the soil. Humus is what plants eat.

All these things are mixed together by earthworms to make soil. Scientists estimate that there are 1.5 million earthworms per acre of soil. In one year, an acre of worms can move 20 tons of soil. As they tunnel through the ground the worms help break up the earth, allowing air and water in to the soil.

Inclusive of this unit, students will be manipulating soil in various ways, such as taking a soil sample, discovering the composition of soil, and performing a soil sample. Other topics addressed in hands-on activities involve measuring permeability, determining pH, and examining erosion’s effects on soil.

Content Standard A: Science as Inquiry

Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Understandings about scientific inquiry

Content Standard B: Physical Science

Properties and changes of properties in matter

Content Standard C: Life Science

Populations and ecosystems

Content Standard D: Earth and Space Science

Structure of the earth system

Content Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Personal health

Populations, resources, and environments

Natural hazards

Risks and benefits

Science and technology in society

Content Standard G: History and Nature of Science

Science as a human endeavor

Nature of science

This unit includes eleven lesson plans, each requiring various amounts of time to complete. If all lessons are utilized, this unit could encompass at least one month of science instruction. The lesson topics are as follows:

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Soil Sites Just for Kids:

Soil in General:

Acid Mine Drainage Sites:

Soil Erosion Sites:

Soil Permeability:

pH/Acids and Bases:

pH Sites For Kids:

Rocks and Soil (1997 Bill Nye Science Guy Episode), VHS. Write or call for price information: Disney Educational Productions, 1200 Thorndale Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. 800-295-5010. Video #68A52VL100.

Soil – A Medium for Plant Growth (1993) VHS. #40.00 shipping/handling. Visual Education Productions, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. 800-235-4146.