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