Science

Science    

     Soils

During the second marking period, our focus will be on "Soils". 

     Students investigate the chief components of soil--sand, clay, and humus--and explore the relationship between soil and plant growth.  Early in the unit, they create their own compost bags.  This activity enables them to observe the decomposition of organic materials over time.  Students observe and read about earthworms to learn about their connection to plant roots and soil. 

     The students also conduct tests that enable them to observe and compare such properties of soil as odor, appearance, and texture.  We also explore other areas such as settling, water content, and soil consistency.  These observations are then related to plant growth, as students plant cucumber seeds in a clear plastic tube.  By observing root growth, students learn about the role of roots in keeping the plant anchored and upright. 

     In a final activity, students apply what they have learned to investigate a sample of local garden soil.

     Listed below are the titles of our lessons:

          Lesson 1 ~ What is in Soil?

          Lesson 2 ~ Where Do Dead Plants Go?

          Lesson 3 ~ Introducing Sand, Clay, and Humus

          Lesson 4 ~ When Soils Get Wet

          Lesson 5 ~  More About Wet Soils

          Lesson 6 ~ How Quickly Do Soils Settle in Water?

          Lesson 7 ~ More Settling a Few Days Later

          Lesson 8 ~ What is Your Mystery Mixture/

          Lesson 9 ~ Growing Plants in Different Soils

          Lesson 10 ~ Why do Plants Have Roots in Soil?

          Lesson 11 ~ Can Soil Hold Water?

          Lesson 12 ~ How Water Moves through Sand and Clay

          Lesson 13 ~ Opening the Compost Bags

          Lesson 14 ~ Exploring Your Local Soil

          Lesson 15 ~ More About Your Local Soil

         Lesson 16 ~ What is Your Local Soil?