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Soil Unit Part 3: Soil, Particle Size, Permeability, Porosity, More

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$9.99

Complete Soil Science Unit: Exploring Weathering, Soil Formation & Properties

 

Grade Level: 5th–7th

 

This engaging and interactive soil science unit includes six 50-minute lessons and an 8-page work bundle designed for both in-class and digital learning. Through a highly visual slideshow roadmap, students will explore soil composition, particle size, permeability, porosity, and soil horizons. The unit includes fill-in notes (red slides), video and academic links, challenge questions, hands-on activities, crossword puzzles, and an end-of-unit review game—everything needed for a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

 

Key Concepts & Lesson Breakdown:

1. Introduction to Soil – What is Soil?

  • Hands-on exploration: Students analyze fresh soil samples and describe what soil is made of.

  • Soil vs. dirt: Understanding the key differences between soil and dirt.

  • Soil colors & meaning: Examining how healthy vs. unhealthy soil impacts plant growth.

  • Challenge questions: Students guess the best soil color for planting through visual comparisons.

 

2. Particle Size & Soil Composition

  • Students draw and label particle sizes in their journals, from boulders to dust, with real-world examples.

  • Hands-on sorting activity: Students separate soil particles by hand, then use screens for classification.

  • Visual slides reinforce the concept of particle size and its role in soil structure and stability.

 

3. Permeability & Porosity – Soil’s Role in Water Retention

  • Interactive experiment: Students test clay, loam, coarse sand, fine sand, and gravel for:

  • Porosity (air space between particles).

  • Nutrient retention (ability to hold organic material).

  • Water movement & drainage (permeability).

 

 

 

  • Step-by-step explanations follow each hands-on test.

 

4. Soil Horizons – Layers of Soil from Surface to Bedrock

  • Students sketch and label soil horizons from topsoil to bedrock using a fun, interactive slideshow.

  • Gamified learning: A link to the classic Dig Dug video game helps students visualize underground layers in an engaging way.

  • Field trip activity: Students analyze a cut-bank outside, measure soil horizons, and make real-world connections.

 

Engaging Activities & Assessments:

  • Soil Sample Investigation – Hands-on exploration of soil textures and components.

  • Sorting & Particle Size Experiment – Interactive demonstration of how soil separates into layers.

  • Permeability & Porosity Testing – Students compare different soil types and determine their water-holding capacity.

  • Dig Dug Soil Horizons Game – Fun, interactive way to reinforce soil layers through an old-school arcade classic.

  • Visual Quiz & Crossword Puzzle – Reinforce learning with engaging review activities.

  • End-of-Unit Review Game – A comprehensive, interactive PowerPoint covering all major concepts.

 

This comprehensive soil science unit is perfect for educators teaching earth science, weathering, erosion, soil conservation, and glacial processes. With engaging, hands-on activities and digital compatibility for Google Classroom, it provides a streamlined, interactive way to introduce students to soil formation, properties, and conservation. Whether you’re in-person or remote, this unit makes lesson planning easy while ensuring students stay engaged with fun, interactive learning experiences!

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