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

This Unit contains 5 lessons of about 50 minutes and 8 page work bundle. Students and teachers follow a highly visual slideshow road map that includes important fill-in notes (red slides), video and academic links, questions and answers, an activity that has explore soil, particle size, built-in quizzes, games, crossword puzzle, end of the the bundle assessment, and much more are provided. This bundle converts nicely to google classroom and also includes both a printed and digital version of the work bundle if working remote or posting to Google Classroom. Everything you need to run a fantastic unit is provided.

This PowerPoint begins with the students getting their hands dirty right away. A fresh soil sample should be given to each student and they are asked to explore the sample and then describe what soil is made of. Soil is then described in a step by step approach (I always only try to have one point of focus per slide). The differences between soil and dirt is discussed. Soil colors are described and their meaning. The differences in color between healthy and unhealthy soil is shown. Students then participate in a series of challenge questions that have the students guess the letter of the picture that represents the best soil color for planting. Students then create a drawing in their journal of particle size. They add terms to the correct particle size that is shown in a series of slides from boulders all the way down to dust (size of the particle included). Pictures are shown throughout. Separating a mixture of soil groups based on their particle size is provided. Students first try it by hand in a tray, and then teacher comes around with some screens and the student complete the task quickly. Permeability and Porosity is described in detail. A neat activity with directions is provided that has the students investigate clay, loam, coarse sand, fine sand, and gravel to its porosity, ability to hold nutrients, work / move, and air space. The answers are then provided in a step by step process. Soil Horizons are then shown from the upper horizons to bedrock. A link to the video game Dig Dug is provided and students sketch out and label the horizons in the soil as the teacher plays. Students love watching the teacher get destroyed by the bad soil monsters. A slide for a field trip to go outside and look at a cut-bank and measure a soil horizon is provided.

This is a fantastic unit that the students have always enjoyed. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at Support@SlideSpark.net