K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
What Is Soil?

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the composition of soil, including weathered rock, minerals, humus, air, and water.
  • Explain the role of humus in adding nutrients to the soil.
  • Identify the importance of soil for plant growth and its role in supporting life on Earth.
  • Recognize the diversity of organisms that live in soil, such as ants, worms, and other burrowing animals.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of soil as a vital component of Earth's ecosystem. Discuss its composition, including weathered rock, minerals, humus, air, and water.

Go to the Lesson

Engage students with a question: 'What do you think soil is made of?' Encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences.

Direct Instruction

Explain the composition of soil, focusing on the role of humus in adding nutrients. Highlight how soil supports plant growth and life on Earth.

Use the video 'Types of Soil' to illustrate the different soil types and their properties. This video helps students understand how soil composition affects plant growth and ecosystem health.

Video thumbnail

Guided Exploration

Facilitate a discussion on the importance of soil for plant growth and its role in supporting life on Earth. Encourage students to think about how soil affects the environment.

Watch the video 'Using Rocks and Minerals' to understand the practical applications of soil and minerals in daily life. This video connects geological concepts to real-world uses.

Video thumbnail

Hands-On Activity

Conduct a soil observation activity where students collect soil samples from different locations and examine them using tools like a hand lens. They should note color, particle size, and humus content.

Use the assessment 'Observing Soil' to guide students in recording their observations and analyzing soil properties. This activity reinforces their understanding of soil composition.

Assessment thumbnail

Independent Practice

Assign students to draw and label a diagram of soil layers, including weathered rock, minerals, humus, air, and water. This task helps solidify their understanding of soil composition.

Encourage students to write a short paragraph explaining the role of humus in soil and why it is essential for plant growth.

Check for Understanding

Use the quiz 'Types of Soil (Quiz Edition)' to assess students' understanding of different soil types and their characteristics. This interactive quiz reinforces key concepts.

Try the Quiz
Video thumbnail

Review and Reflection

Conduct a class discussion to review the key points of the lesson. Encourage students to share what they found most interesting about soil and its importance.

Ask students to reflect on how soil supports life on Earth and why it is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Assessment and Extension

Use the assessment 'All About Soil – Comprehension' to evaluate students' understanding of soil composition and its components. This activity reinforces vocabulary and concepts.

Assessment thumbnail

Encourage students to explore further by researching how soil conservation practices can help protect and sustain soil health. They can present their findings in a short report or presentation.

Custom Subscription Plan

Please reach out to your dedicated support agent to make changes to your custom subscription plan.

Free Usage Limit Reached!

You have reached the usage limit under a free subscription. 
This will reset in 1 hour. 
Please try again later, or consider upgrading your account. Thanks!

Password Reset Successfully!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Reset Password

Enter the email address associated with your account.

Subscription Update Error

There was an error updating the subscription.

Subscription Updated

Your subscription was successfully updated. Enjoy!

Insufficient Privelages

You are not authorized to make changes to the subscription plan of this account. 
Please contact the appropriate administrator.

Manage Subscription

Prices are in US Dollars.

Free

  • Limited daily access
  • 10% off all eBook purchases

Home

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 20% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

Classroom

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 30% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

School

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 40% off all eBook purchases
  • Dedicated support agent

Sign In

Account Limit Reached!

Your account does not have any available slots remaining to add a new user.

You can:
• remove and existing user to free up a slot.
• upgrade your plan or contact us.

Remove User

You are about to remove the following users accounts:

THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE

Registration Complete!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Create an Account

Enter your email to create a free account with NG Science.

or

Activity Complete

Try again for a perfect score