SOIL PROFILE AND WEATHERING LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Looking for a new way to teach soil profile, soil formation and soil particles with little preparation? This resource could be all you need. All the activities have minds-on and hands-on element in them to increase student engagement. Each part also has accompanying notes to assist students and reduce the teacher’s preparation time. It comes in three parts: ***Please check preview to see sample work.

PART 1: Soil Reading comprehension

In this part, students will read information and learn about; what is soil?, what makes up soil?, humus, soil microorganisms, soil texture and particle sizes. Afterwards, they will answer comprehension questions based on the text they have read.

PART 2: Soil Formation Documentary Video

In this part, students will watch a 5 minute video documentary about how soils are formed. They will listen for information in the video and answer some questions about the film. The video discusses the role of lichens and weather in the early stages of soil formation. It highlights the stages of soil formation in a very natural way that students will love. Video links and QR codes are all provided and easily accessible.

PART 3 Soil Profile Jigsaw Activity

IIn this final part, students will read information about soil profile and complete a jigsaw activity. The information sheets describes the characteristics of each layer (horizon) within the soil profile. It contains all the information students need to do the jigsaw . The worksheet for this parts comes in colored and black and white forms.

Materials need for part 3:

Copy of jigsaw worksheet + the jigsaw information cards per student
One Scissor or cutter per student
Glue
ANSWER KEYS:

Answer keys are providered for all three parts.

Teacher Guide:

Included + recommendations

Grade level:

Best suited for Grades 7 - 10

Objectives for the lessons:

Students will be able to :

a) Describe the components of soil including minerals, organic matter, water and soil and state their percentages in soils.

b) Distinguish between soil particle sizes such as gravel, sand, silt and clay and state how these sizes affect soil water permeability.

c) Illustrate the layers (horizons) of the soil profile and sates some characteristics of each.

d) Explain the functions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoans in soils.

e) Describe how soils are formed through weathering and the role of lichens and weather in the early stages of soil formation.

d) Discuss the impact of modern farming on soil and the negative effects.

I believe these three part soil activity will be a great addition to your soil unit. Every part of it is designed with students’ and teachers’ interests in mind. Please reach out at eazyscience221@gmail.com with your feedback and questions. Thanks and have a wonderful class.