Ashley Louth

Project Description

Science Lesson 3

This is a unit lesson idea on soils. We will explore the properties and types of soils. We will work with 5 soil types: gravel, sand, silt, clay, and hummus. We will explore what makes each soil different and what is similar. We will complete experiments and tests to help us learn about the different soils. Our end goal will be able to identify the best soil for making a garden. We will then grow a small class garden. The students will use the following handbook to record all observations, data, and thoughts about soil. The following are brief descriptions of each activity that is completed in the handbook. The Sand Castle Challenge is an introductory activity. It is to get the students excited and interested in soils. They will be grouped in 5 groups of 4 students. Each group will have 5 minutes to try to build the tallest castle they can build. This is to get the students to begin comparing and thinking about the different properties of soil. The students will not be told what each soil sample is. The students will use the table provided to draw and write about the experience and observations of each station. There will be an end of activity discussion talking about what the students saw and think. The next activity is the Mystery Samples activities. Here each group will be given a sample of all five (5) soil samples. The students will have to use their background knowledge and senses to identify and describe the 5 samples. The students, as a group, will discuss and design their own way to organize their observations and data collected about the 5 samples. Then after the observations have been completed, there will be a class discussion on the different samples and what each sample is. Then we will begin to explore the soils. We will start by learning about the textures of the five soil samples. The groups will have to take notes and draw pictures about their observations. We will look at the soils through touch and visual observations. We will look at them with the naked eye and then under magnifying glasses. We will then discuss how the different textures can identify the soils. We will also talk about the texture in terms of the sand castle challenge. We will finish by making predictions on how water will interact with each soil in the next part. We will explore the differences between each soil when dry vs wet. The students will explore the different textures and properties of each soil. They will complete a Venn Diagram for each soil to compare the soils when wet and dry. They will use words and pictures in their Venn Diagrams. We will then use discussion questions to guide small group and whole class discussions. Our final exploration of soil texture and properties will be the ribbon test. Students will perform the ribbon text to further explore soils. They will create a table or graphic organizer to hold the data and observations they collect. Then they will practice making ribbons with each soil. This will be the final activity before we start to practice identifying real soil from outside the school. Students will then text everything they have learned so far to identify the soil found in the school yard. The students will select two sample locations as a group. Then they will collect and

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Science Lesson 3

analyze the soil to identify it. Then we will discuss what soil is found at the school and why there are different soils. This will be a great was to introduce the students to thinking about how soil interacts with living things. Then we will change hats. We will move from simply studying soil to studying how it affects living things and the world around it. We will do this by researching what makes good soil for a garden since we will be making our own class garden. The students will individually conduct research but then will discuss their findings in their small groups and then as a whole class. Finally, we will make our garden. We first will do research and select a flower to grow in our garden. We will decide by voting. In an event of a tie, I will choose. Then we will in groups construct possible soils to use and present them to the class. Each group will do a short presentation on what soil they think we should use and why. Then the class will vote on which soil to use based off on the ones suggested. Finally we will calculate how much soil we need for our garden. If we end up using a mixture of soils, we will have to calculate how much of each soil type we will use in the garden. Finally garden day, I will discuss garden day and remind students of the proper clothing and shoes the day before. Then on that day we will spend time outside building our garden and planting our flowers. Objectives Students will identify the different textures of soils. Students will describe the different textures of soils. Students will create a perfect soil to use in a class garden. Students will evaluate soil samples from the school yard. Students will examine mystery soil samples to determine what they are. Students will illustrate the properties of soils. Students will compare and contrast the properties of soils when they are wet and dry. Students will create charts and tables to organize and display data and observations.

Resources "Field Classification of Soil Sample." Field Classification of Soil Sample. Unified Soil Classification System, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. "Field Method for Identification of Soil Texture." Field Method for Identification of Soil Texture. United States Department of Labor, May 1996. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. "Lessons and Activities." Gardening with Kids:. Natioinal Gardening Association, 2014. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. "My First Garden - A Children's Guide to the World of Fun and Clever Gardening." My First Garden - A Children's Guide to the World of Fun and Clever Gardening. University of Illinois, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

Dear Students, Spring is just around the corner! In preparation for spring we will be exploring soils. Soils are all around us and we interact with them every day. However, have you ever stopped and thought about soil? We will be thinking about soil and its importance in the world. We will learn many things about soil. We will work in groups of 4 throughout the entire process. These groups will be assigned to create great teams of pedologists. Pedologists are scientists who study soil. We will then become edaphologists. Edaphologists study how soil interacts with living things, including plants. Together we will o o o o o o o Identify the different textures of soils. Describe the different textures of soils. Create a perfect soil to use in a class garden. Evaluate soil samples from the school yard. Examine mystery soil samples to determine what they are. Illustrate the properties of soils. Compare and contrast the properties of soils when they are wet and dry. o Create charts and tables to organize and display data and observations. Our end goal for learning about soil will be to create the best soil possible to grow a class garden this spring. However, before we can do that, we have a lot to learn about soil. We will have a lot of fun becoming pedologists and edaphologists together! Sincerely, Miss Louth

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

The Sand Castle Challenge

I have a challenge for you all! I challenge each group to build the tallest sand castle you can with the soil provided to you in each container.

There are five (5) stations set up. Each station has a different soil. As a team you must work together to build the tallest sand castle you can using the soil provided. You will have 5 minutes to build the tallest castle possible. Then, using the rulers provided you must measure your castle and record the data in picture and word form in the table provided below. Your picture must be labeled with the measurements. In the description column, you should write down any notes you find necessary and interesting. We will rotate until each group has built a tower with each soil. After we are done, we will all meet on the carpet to discuss our results and thoughts. The page after the table contains questions that you can discuss and answer in your groups and together as a class.

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Science Lesson 3

The Sand Castle Challenge

Record your experiences at each station by drawing a picture and writing a description of what happens during the challenge.

Station # 1

Picture

Description

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Science Lesson 3

The Sand Castle Challenge

Questions to fuel your thinking
1. Which station had the soil that was the easiest to work with?

2. Why was it easy?

3. Which station had the soil that was the hardest to work with?

4. Why was it hard?

5. What would you do to make it easier to work with?

6. Order the stations from easiest to work with to hardest.

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Science Lesson 3

Mystery Samples

Today, we will begin working on figuring out what types of soils there are. Each group is challenged to be soil detectives! You must identify each soil using only your background knowledge and observations.

Each group has five (5) soil samples. Together, you need to identify each soil using your observations and background knowledge. Use all of your senses to try and identify each soil sample. You will have 30 minutes to try and identify the five (5) samples. At the end, we will come together as a class to discuss our findings and to find out the names of each soil sample. Use the following pages to create charts, diagrams, and notes to help your investigation. Then discuss and answer the thinking questions that follow.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

Mystery Samples

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Science Lesson 3

Mystery Samples

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Science Lesson 3

Mystery Samples Questions to fuel your thinking 1. What senses did you use to help you identify the soil samples?

2. What do the samples have in common?

3. What differences are there between the samples?

4. Can you think of any tool that would help you identify the samples?

5. What do you think each sample is? Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Sample 4

Sample 5

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Science Lesson 3

Textures

Now, we will take a closer look at soil and the textures they have!

Pedologists, we will begin our study of soils today. The first aspect we will be exploring is the textures of the different soils. We will feel the soil and describe what each one feels like. Then we will look at each soil under a magnifying glass to see what each looks like up close. Then, as a group and as a class we will discuss what makes each soil have a different texture. We will then begin to discuss what the differences mean for the properties of the soil.

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Science Lesson 3

Textures Write any notes and observations made in the second column. Draw a picture of what the soil looks like both with your own eyes and then under the microscope.
Soil as seen by the naked eye Soil under the magnifying glass

Notes

Gravel

Sand

Silt

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Science Lesson 3

Textures Write any notes and observations made in the second column. Draw a picture of what the soil looks like both with your own eyes and then under the microscope.
Soil as seen by the naked eye Soil under the magnifying glass

Notes

Clay

Hummus

Extra Notes and Observations:

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Science Lesson 3

Textures Questions to fuel your thinking 1. What do you notice when you compare the textures of the soil samples?

2. How does this affect building the sand castles?

3. Predict what would happen when water is added to the soils.

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Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet

Today we will compare the soil samples when they are dry and wet. How will water affect the texture and properties of the different soil samples.

Five (5) stations have been set up. At each station, there are two soil samples of the same soil. One of the soil samples I have added water to. The other sample is dry. We will use Venn Diagrams to draw and write our observations on the differences and similarities of each soil. I want you to draw pictures and take notes so that we can really get to know each soil.

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Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet Complete each Venn Diagram using pictures and words.

Gravel

Extra Observations:

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Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet Complete each Venn Diagram using pictures and words.

Sand

Extra Observations:

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Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet Complete each Venn Diagram using pictures and words.

Silt

Extra Observations:

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet Complete each Venn Diagram using pictures and words

Clay

Extra Observations:

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Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet Complete each Venn Diagram using pictures and words.

Hummus

Extra Observations:

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Science Lesson 3

Dry vs. Wet Questions to fuel your thinking 1. Did adding water change anything for each soil?

2. Did any soil not change when water was added?

3. Why did the soils react differently to the addition of water?

4. Would adding less water change each of the soils?

5. Would adding more water change each of the soils?

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

Making Ribbons

Today, we will be making ribbons out of soils. Now we wont be making bows out of these ribbons. The ribbons we make will help us learn about each soil and how to identify the different soils. I challenge you to make the longest ribbon you can out of each soil.

To help us learn about the properties of soil, we will be trying to form ribbons with each soil. To do this we will take small cups of soil in the palms of our hands. Then we will rub the soil between our thumb and the four other fingers to make ribbons. We will use a ruler to measure how long the ribbons are before they break. Before we start working with the soils, your groups will design a table or graphic organizer on the two following pages to use to record your data and observations. Then on the page after that there are questions for discussion in your groups and as a class.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

Making Ribbons

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Science Lesson 3

Making Ribbons

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Science Lesson 3

Making Ribbons Questions to fuel your thinking 1. Which soil made the shortest ribbon?

2. Why is that?

3. Which soil made the longest ribbon?

4. Why is that?

5. Order the ribbons from shortest to longest. Include the length you measured for each soil.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

School Soil Samples

Now we are going to take the next step to becoming Pedologists. We will now take soil from the school yard and identify what soil it is.

As a group, you will select two (2) locations on the school yard. Then your group will go out and collect a soil sample. You will then use what we have learned to identify what soil the school has. Then as a class we will mark on a class map what soil the school grounds has. You will use the map that follows to select and mark where your samples will come from. Then you will use the pages that follow to write down your data and observations on your quest to identify the soil. Then we will hold discussions in our groups and as a class to discuss our findings.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

School Soil Samples Mark on this map the two locations where your soil samples will come from.

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Science Lesson 3

School Soil Samples

Sample 1

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Science Lesson 3

School Soil Samples

Sample 2

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Science Lesson 3

School Soil Samples Questions to fuel your thinking 1. What soil type was sample 1?

2. How do you know?

3. What soil type was sample 2?

4. How do you know?

5. Does the school yard have the same soil everywhere?

6. Why?

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Science Lesson 3

What makes good soil?

Now we will begin to change our hats from pedologists to edaphologists. We will now begin to look at the effects soil has on living things by looking at how soil affects the plants that grow there. This is the first step towards building our garden.

This is the start of our study of how soil affects the growth and health of plants. We will conduct some research into what makes healthy soil. We want to conduct our research in mind of creating a perfect soil mixture for our class garden. The research will be conducted individually but discussed in our groups. We will use a KWL chart to organize our research. Extra paper for notes is provided. There are also discussion questions to talk and think about.

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Science Lesson 3

What makes good soil?

I Know

I Want to Know

I Learned

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Science Lesson 3

What makes good soil?

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Science Lesson 3

What makes good soil? Questions to fuel your thinking 1. What makes really good soil?

2. What does a plant need to grow?

3. Is there a type of soil that will not grow any plants?

4. Is it better to have only one soil type or a mixture of soil types?

5. How do you take care of soil to keep it healthy?

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Science Lesson 3

Garden Project

Now it is time to prepare to make our graden! We have been pedologists and edaphologists. Now we will change our hats one final time to be gardeners.

We are almost ready to make our own class garden! However before we do there are a few things we need to do. We need to decide on a flower to grow. We need to decide on our soil. And we have to calculate how much soil we need for our garden. There is a lot to do before we have our gardening day where we will mix our soil and plant our flowers!

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

What Flowers? Here I have listed four (4) possible flowers we can grow together. Inside your groups, quickly explore these plants on the internet and write down which flower you want to grow. We will cut off the ends of our paper and vote at the end of class. If you need to take notes you may do so on this paper.

Pansy Marigold Sweet Pea Sun Flower

Vote:

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Science Lesson 3

What soil? As a group, decide what is the best soil. Remember, we can use only one type of soil or a mixture of soil. However, we want the best soil possible for our garden! Write notes and descriptions about what soil we should use. Each group will present to the class their soil choice and explain why that is the best option. The class will then vote to choose which soil is best for our garden. You can use this page and the page after to take notes and write down ideas for your soil.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

What soil?

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Science Lesson 3

How much soil do we need? Now that we have decided on what soil we will use, we need to figure out how much soil we need. We need to measure our flower box garden to find out the volume. Then we need to work out how much soil we need to prepare so that we are ready for garden day! Use this page and the page that follows for your notes and equations.

Ashley Louth

Science Lesson 3

How much soil do we need?

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Science Lesson 3

Garden Day!

The day has finally arrived! It is garden day! You all have worked so hard to reach this point! I am so proud of all the hard work everyone has done. Now it is time to get down and dirty in preparing our garden and planting our flowers!

Tomorrow we will be going outside to complete our garden! Remember to wear the proper gardening clothes; it will be a little messy. You need to wear the proper shoes too. I recommend wearing sneakers. Also, bring a hat and sun screen if you need it because we will be outside for a long time. And always remember come prepared to learn and have fun!