Soil Sciencebharsar Students

Here is a bank of many lessons and hands-on activities all about soils and topics related to soils. These materials include lessons and activities are posted directly by SSSA as well as external links to materials that we have reviewed and recommend. You can search for materials by grade level and/or subject and/or type of lesson. Have a look and give it a try!

We have developed a Teacher's Guide for use in the classroom based on the Soil! Get the inside Scoop! book for kids. Information includes objectives, glossary, test questions/worksheets, and Powerpoints - complete with teaching notes! Go to the Teachers Guide for Scoop!

This web page is made and collection by Anil Rana(Anilrana13014@gmail.com). College - (Gbpuat,VCSG,UBTER). In addition to coursework in math and the natural sciences, soil science students may take courses in soil conservation and fertility, entomology, agronomy and crop physiology. Advanced positions.

Videos! You requested videos to easily use in your classrooms .. and here they are! These 12 videos are short and connect the diverse value of soils to our natural environment and society. View the compilation on our International Year of Soils video page.

While the following sites are not officially endorsed, the sites below were found to have high quality materials for lessons and activities at different grade levels.(More sites will be added as the review process continues.)

Have you designed an awesome lesson plan?

Submit it to be reviewed and vetted by our scientists. Then we'll publish it so you can share your ideas with teachers around the word. Submit your lesson plan here.

Soil Subject and Grade Level Matrix

Click on a link in this table to get a list of descriptions and direct links to resources for specific soil subjects and grade levels of interest.

Have you seen something cool we should add to our list? Is there a broken link?

General Links of Interest

Soils and Careers - Do you have what it takes to be a soil science expert? This site is run by the Soil Science Society of America, and it gives examples of potential careers, skills, and people that are in many different areas of soil science.

Agronomy Feeds the World - The American Society of Agronomy a variety of modules to use in K-12 classrooms! A special thanks to PlantingScience for developing these lessons for the Agronomy4Me website.

Soil, Farming and Science - New Zealand Science Learning Hub - Developed by educators and teachers in collaboration with New Zealand scientists to provide resources for teachers of school years 2-10. Even though the standards don't match up, the science is universal. The 'Science Ideas and Concepts' page has several handouts about the major processes in soils, as well as quiz questions, interactive activities, and lesson plans.

State Soils – USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) - Check here to find which states have state soils, what those soils are, where they are located, and why these soils are important to each state.

Soil Education – USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) The USDA-NRCS soils education home site for much information and activities about soil.

Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Soils information and activities at many grade levels for subjects including soil water, soil and agriculture, and soil and engineering. Also has a tasty edible soil recipe with educational value.

Dirt: Secrets in the Soil – Utah AITC (Agriculture in the Classroom) Many well done soil activities and explanations. Geared mostly toward elementary students, but some activities can be used for older students.

The Twelve Soil Orders – University of Idaho -Wonderful soil profile and soil landscape pictures, and geographic distribution of soils. (Organized by soil taxonomy, but pictures can be used without any discussion of taxonomy.)

Canon Envirothon - Information about the Canon Envirothon and starting a team.

The Apple Demo:

If the earth were an apple, how much of it would be productive soil?

The Apple as Planet Earth Video – American Farmland Trust Click on the presentation icon mid way down the page for a one minute video.

Earth's Valuable Soil – Alaska AITC (Also on other AITC sites) Directions for doing the demo with an actual apple. Includes a student work sheet.

The Apple as Planet Earth - Dr. Dirt A Youtube video of the Apple Demonstration by Dr. Dirt.

General Soils

Soil composition activity and lesson. Discusses mineral and organic components of soil.

Ask the Answer Worm – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons S.K.Worm, the official worm of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, answers students' questions about soil. Basic information about soils with cartoon pictures.

Types by Texture – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Soil texture (sand, silt, and clay) activities and lesson. Requires sand, silt, and clay samples and soil samples from home.

Soil Crayons– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Instructions for how to make crayons from soil and wax. This activity provides and appreciation for the variety of soil colors. (Note: To get soils of different colors it is often necessary to dig below the topsoil in several locations.)

Painting with Soil – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Instructions for how to make paints of wondrous colors using soil. (Note: To get soils of different colors it is often necessary to dig below the topsoil in several locations.)

The Soil Chain – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lesson about the importance of soil as a natural resource.

Down and Dirty – Discovery School The Dirt on Soil Soil definitions, terms, and concepts presented well for upper elementary and middle school students.

Perkin' Through the Pores – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons and activities about how different soils let water move through them and hold onto water differently.

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Songs about Soil – USDA-NRCS K-12 Do you like to sing? Well, some soil scientists (young and old) do. Read the lyrics and sing them aloud.

Soil Texture Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil texture and particles sizes and contains an activity on Soil Texture (from New Mexico State University)

Soil Color Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil colors and contains an activity on making Soil Crayons (from USDA).

Down and Dirty – DiscoverySchool - The Dirt on Soil Soil definitions, terms, and concepts presented well for upper elementary and middle school students.

Particle Size Using water, soda bottles, and soil, students can use 'the bigger they are, the faster they fall' principle to find out whether sand, silt, or clay is made of larger particles.

Make your own profile - Students create a model of a soil profile using card stock, carpet tape, and soil samples from different horizons.

Paint with Soil Instructions for how to make paints of wondrous colors using soil. (Note: To get soils of different colors it is often necessary to dig below the topsoil in several locations.)

Soil Aggregates Activity uses glass jars, water, hardware cloth and soils to demonstrate how organic matter helps stabilize soils.

Soil Air– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons This simple demonstration allows students to see air in soil and compare the air content of soils from different sites in their area.

Soil Facts– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Definitions of soil and soil survey, information on careers in Soil Science, and information on soil formation and classification.

Soil Quotations– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons The importance of soil to life and culture is illustrated by quotes from people like Leonardo DaVinci, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Indigo Girls.

Soil as a Sponge – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities A sponge in water is used to demonstrate many types of soil water interactions.

Perkin' Through the Pores – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons and activities about how different soils let water move through them and hold onto water differently. Designed for elementary students, but many parts appropriate for middle school.

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Careers in Soil Science– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Information about soil scientists and career opportunities in soil science.

Soil Sciencebharsar Students Student

Soil Texture Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil texture and particles sizes and contains an activity on Soil Texture (from New Mexico State Univerity)

Soil Color Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil colors and contains an activity on making Soil Crayons (from USDA).

Soil Texture (sand, silt, and clay) – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons A flow chart to identify soil texture (from the texture triangle) by feel, using a soil sample and water.

Soil Color – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Information about how soil color is related to types of minerals, amount of organic matter, and hydrology.

Soil Facts – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Definitions of soil and soil survey, information on careers in Soil Science, and information on soil formation and classification.

Soil Sciencebharsar Students Jobs

Soil Quotations – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons The importance of soil to life and culture is illustrated by quotes from people like Leonardo DaVinci, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Indigo Girls.

The 12 Soil Orders– USDA-NRCS Photos and information about the twelve soil orders and a high resolution poster with great soil pictures available to download.

Careers in Soil Science – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Information about soil scientists and career opportunities in soil science.

Soil Biology

(Soil organisms such as bacteria, worms, fungi and many more. Soil organic matter and decomposition, composting. How soils affect organisms and organisms affect soil)

Just for Kids: Soil Biological Communities – BLM-NSTC THE soil biology resource site for elementary teachers. Many many resources, lessons, and hands-on activities about soils and organisms. (Too many to list here..go look.)

Soil Safari – Discovery School The Dirt on Soil A fun, interactive, microscopic computer safari through the soil. (Can be downloaded onto a desktop.) Also click on 'Field Guide' for pictures and more information on organisms encountered in virtual and real soil. (Upper elementary and middle school.)

Underground Adventure – The (Chicago) Field Museum A virtual tour of the Chicago Field Museum soil exhibit. Also on-line information and activities about soils and soil organisms.

Secrets to Healthy Soils – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Students examine soil organisms extracted from different fresh soil samples. Samples are extracted overnight by heat lamp and screen. All directions for set-up and types of organisms included.

The fever code pdf download. The Rotten Truth – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Activity in which students demonstrate and learn about decomposition with and without soil. Also has lesson on methods of composting.

Collecting Bugs from the Soil - An SSSA Activity - learn about the incredibly diverse invertebrate community found in soil.

Soil Sciencebharsar Students Login

Tea4Science- SSSA Peer Reviewed Lesson PlanThe students will use a simple method to measure decay of organic matter (plants) by making use of commercially available tea bags. Students can be part of a larger data collection project with this experiment.

Soil Safari – Discovery School: The Dirt on Soil A fun, interactive, microscopic computer safari through the soil. (Can be downloaded onto a desktop.) Also click on 'Field Guide' for pictures and more information on organisms encountered in virtual and real soil. (Upper elementary and middle school.)

Audio Soil Safari – BBC Biologist Mike Dilger leads the listener on a tour through the world of soil organisms.

Microbe Zoo: Dirtland – DLC-ME Michigan State University Information about microorganisms that live in different soil environments, including cropland, low oxygen, high temperatures, and toxic dumps.

Soil Biology Movies Narrated video clips (1-3 minutes) of real soil organisms seen through a microscope and just out of the ground. By Tom Loynachan.

Earthworm Farm – BLM-NSTC Just for Kids: Soil Biological Communities Instructions for how to make an earthworm farm.

Secrets to Healthy Soils – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Students examine soil organisms extracted from different fresh soil samples and learn why they are important. Organisms are extracted from soil samples overnight by heat lamp and screen. Includes directions for set-up and simple descriptions of types of organisms.

Collect Soil Bugs – BLM-NSTC Just for Kids: Soil Biological Communities Instructions for how to make a pitfall trap for larger soil organisms and a funnel trap for smaller soil organisms.

Introduction to the World of Nematodes – APS K-12 Teachers' Guide For grades 7-12 in classrooms where dissecting and compound microscopes are available. It requires materials (funnels, screen, tubing, clamps, 2-ply tissues, ring stand, soil sample, and water) and preparation.

Soil Food Web – NRCS Soil Biology Soil Biology Primer Diagram of a soil food web.

Measuring Soil Microbial Activity - Great Lakes Bioenergy: This activity examines how soil microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are involved in carbon cycling. Students design experiments to explore the relationship between microbial respiration rates and soil variables such as temperature, habitat, soil type, and agricultural management choices. Four methods for measuring CO2 released from soil are provided, one in the field (CO2 probe), and three in the lab (CO2 probe, bromothymol blue (BTB) and acid-base titration).

Tea4Science- SSSA Peer Reviewed Lesson Plan The students will use a simple method to measure decay of organic matter (plants) by making use of commercially available tea bags. Students can be part of a larger data collection project with this experiment.

Soil Biology Primer – NRCS Soil Biology A well done on-line text book on soil organisms and soil quality. For high school students and teachers. Also has some good pictures and clip art to use.

Soil Food Web – NRCS Soil Biology Soil Biology Primer Diagram of a soil food web.

Microbe Zoo: Dirtland – DLC-ME Michigan State University Information about microorganisms that live in different soil environments, including cropland, low oxygen, high temperatures, and toxic dumps.

Soil Biology Movies, Narrated video clips (1-3 minutes) of real soil organisms seen through a microscope and just out of the ground. By Tom Loynachan.

Audio Soil Safari – BBC Biologist Mike Dilger leads the listener on a tour through the world of soil organisms.

Soils Are Alive – The University of Western Australia Soil Health Comprehensive information of soil organisms, biological processes and ecosystem management. For teachers and upper level students.

Introduction to the World of Nematodes – APS K-12 Teachers' Guide For grades 7-12 in classrooms where dissecting and compound microscopes are available. It requires materials (funnels, screen, tubing, clamps, 2-ply tissues, ring stand, soil sample, and water) and preparation.

Carbon Sequestration in Soils – ESA Fact sheet about how soils retain carbon and reduce CO2 in the air.

Measuring Soil Microbial Activity - Great Lakes Bioenergy: This activity examines how soil microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are involved in carbon cycling. Students design experiments to explore the relationship between microbial respiration rates and soil variables such as temperature, habitat, soil type, and agricultural management choices. Four methods for measuring CO2 released from soil are provided, one in the field (CO2 probe), and three in the lab (CO2 probe, bromothymol blue (BTB) and acid-base titration).

Soils and Plant Growth

Soil Sam – Illinois AITC Students make a 'Soil Sam' with a baby food jar to hold the soil and grass seeds planted to grow 'hair'. Includes suggested additions to learn about fertilizers.

Soils & Hydroponics – Science Fair Projects & Experiments Includes sample science fair projects and resources for science fair projects about the relationship between soils and plant growth. Projects are grouped by grade 4-6, 7-9, 10-12.

Soil in the Amazon – PBS Students compare plant growth in soil like that of the Amazon to soil found in temperate climates. For grades 7-12.

Soils & Hydroponics – Science Fair Projects & Experiments Includes sample science fair projects and resources for science fair projects about the relationship between soils and plant growth. Projects are grouped by grade 4-6, 7-9, 10-12.

The Chemistry of Fertilizers – California Foundation AITC Hands-on experiments, activities, practice problems, discussions and writing assignments are incorporated as students learn to break compounds into ions, make a fertilizer and test several fertilizers for phosphate content.

Chemistry in Plant Nutrition and Growth – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information, tables, diagrams, and questions about plant nutrients in soil.

Chemistry in Soil-Plant Relationships – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information and questions about movement of water and nutrients in soil, roots in soil, and fertilizer applications.

Nitrogen Basics – The Nitrogen Cycle - Cornell Extension Fact sheet about Nitrogen transformations and movement of Nitrogen in soil.

Soil in the Amazon – PBS Students compare plant growth in soil like that of the Amazon to soil found in temperate climates. For grades 7-12.

Soil Chemistry

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Soil pH: What it Means – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Succinct overview of the range of soil pH and how it affects nutrients, minerals, and plant growth.

Chemistry in Plant Nutrition and Growth – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information, tables, diagrams, and questions about plant nutrients in soil.

Chemistry in Soil-Plant Relationships – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information and questions about movement of water and nutrients in soil, roots in soil, and fertilizer applications.

Chemistry and the Nitrogen Cycle – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information and questions about forms, transformations, and movement of nitrogen in soil.

The Chemistry of Fertilizers – California Foundation AITC Hands-on experiments, activities, practice problems, discussions and writing assignments are incorporated as students learn to break compounds into ions, make a fertilizer and test several fertilizers for phosphate content.

Soil Color and Redox Chemistry Activity that demonstrates soil color changes.

Physics Quicksand Activity- It is difficult for limbs to move beneath quicksand because of the vacuum created. Use this demonstration with cornstarch to experiment!

Soil Conservation

Keeping the Soil in Its Place – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons, exercises, and hands-on activities about causes of erosion and ways to reduce erosion.

Soil Erosion Demonstration - Soils4Teachers.org Demonstration of how different ground cover affects soil runoff.

Soil Erosion – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Activity using soda bottles, soil, and water, to demonstrate the process of erosion.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Keeping the Soil in Its Place – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons, exercises, and hands-on activities about causes of erosion and ways to reduce erosion. Designed for elementary students, but parts are appropriate for middle school, particularly the raindrop splash experiment demonstrating how raindrops cause erosion.

Aggregate Stability – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Activity uses glass jars, water, hardware cloth and soils to demonstrate how organic matter helps stabilize soils.

Desertification – UNESCO Teacher's guide that explains the process of desertification through text, case studies, class activities, cartoons, and a poster.

Rain and Soil- An activity looking at soil infiltration and what affects it.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Desertification – UNESCO Teacher's guide that explains the process of desertification through text, case studies, class activities, cartoons, and a poster.

Soils and Land Development

Hold it Up – NOVA Students study how the soil beneath a building influences the buildings stability. This activity is associated with the NOVA program 'Fall of the Leaning Tower' about the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Urban Soils – USDA-NRCS This 77-page document gives information about urban soils for homeowners and renters, local planning boards, property managers, students, and educators.

Understanding Soil Risks and Hazards – USDA-NRCS This 96-page publication introduces several soil related risks and hazards that are important to city and county planners, developers, construction contractors, and others who use or build facilities on or in soils.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Soil Forensics

Who did it? – Teachers First In this activity students use the unique properties of soil to solve a crime.

Download the latest drivers, firmware, and software for your HP Deskjet 3050A e-All-in-One Printer - J611g.This is HP's official website that will help automatically detect and download the correct drivers free of cost for your HP Computing and Printing products for Windows and Mac operating system. Hp deskjet 3050a driver windows 7.

How Soil Evidence Helped Solve a Double Murder Case - CAFSS Case study describing how forensic soil scientists from the Centre for Australian Forensic Soil Science helped solve a murder case. Includes pictures (nothing gory) and explanations of soil evidence. (Also available as a podcast from the CAFSS home site (link).

Collecting Crime Evidence From Earth – Geotimes Stories about cases in which soil evidence was used to solve crimes.

Here is a bank of many lessons and hands-on activities all about soils and topics related to soils. These materials include lessons and activities are posted directly by SSSA as well as external links to materials that we have reviewed and recommend. You can search for materials by grade level and/or subject and/or type of lesson. Have a look and give it a try!

We have developed a Teacher's Guide for use in the classroom based on the Soil! Get the inside Scoop! book for kids. Information includes objectives, glossary, test questions/worksheets, and Powerpoints - complete with teaching notes! Go to the Teachers Guide for Scoop!

This web page is made and collection by Anil Rana(Anilrana13014@gmail.com). College - (Gbpuat,VCSG,UBTER). In addition to coursework in math and the natural sciences, soil science students may take courses in soil conservation and fertility, entomology, agronomy and crop physiology. Advanced positions.

Videos! You requested videos to easily use in your classrooms .. and here they are! These 12 videos are short and connect the diverse value of soils to our natural environment and society. View the compilation on our International Year of Soils video page.

While the following sites are not officially endorsed, the sites below were found to have high quality materials for lessons and activities at different grade levels.(More sites will be added as the review process continues.)

Have you designed an awesome lesson plan?

Submit it to be reviewed and vetted by our scientists. Then we'll publish it so you can share your ideas with teachers around the word. Submit your lesson plan here.

Soil Subject and Grade Level Matrix

Click on a link in this table to get a list of descriptions and direct links to resources for specific soil subjects and grade levels of interest.

Have you seen something cool we should add to our list? Is there a broken link?

General Links of Interest

Soils and Careers - Do you have what it takes to be a soil science expert? This site is run by the Soil Science Society of America, and it gives examples of potential careers, skills, and people that are in many different areas of soil science.

Agronomy Feeds the World - The American Society of Agronomy a variety of modules to use in K-12 classrooms! A special thanks to PlantingScience for developing these lessons for the Agronomy4Me website.

Soil, Farming and Science - New Zealand Science Learning Hub - Developed by educators and teachers in collaboration with New Zealand scientists to provide resources for teachers of school years 2-10. Even though the standards don't match up, the science is universal. The 'Science Ideas and Concepts' page has several handouts about the major processes in soils, as well as quiz questions, interactive activities, and lesson plans.

State Soils – USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) - Check here to find which states have state soils, what those soils are, where they are located, and why these soils are important to each state.

Soil Education – USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) The USDA-NRCS soils education home site for much information and activities about soil.

Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Soils information and activities at many grade levels for subjects including soil water, soil and agriculture, and soil and engineering. Also has a tasty edible soil recipe with educational value.

Dirt: Secrets in the Soil – Utah AITC (Agriculture in the Classroom) Many well done soil activities and explanations. Geared mostly toward elementary students, but some activities can be used for older students.

The Twelve Soil Orders – University of Idaho -Wonderful soil profile and soil landscape pictures, and geographic distribution of soils. (Organized by soil taxonomy, but pictures can be used without any discussion of taxonomy.)

Canon Envirothon - Information about the Canon Envirothon and starting a team.

The Apple Demo:

If the earth were an apple, how much of it would be productive soil?

The Apple as Planet Earth Video – American Farmland Trust Click on the presentation icon mid way down the page for a one minute video.

Earth's Valuable Soil – Alaska AITC (Also on other AITC sites) Directions for doing the demo with an actual apple. Includes a student work sheet.

The Apple as Planet Earth - Dr. Dirt A Youtube video of the Apple Demonstration by Dr. Dirt.

General Soils

Soil composition activity and lesson. Discusses mineral and organic components of soil.

Ask the Answer Worm – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons S.K.Worm, the official worm of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, answers students' questions about soil. Basic information about soils with cartoon pictures.

Types by Texture – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Soil texture (sand, silt, and clay) activities and lesson. Requires sand, silt, and clay samples and soil samples from home.

Soil Crayons– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Instructions for how to make crayons from soil and wax. This activity provides and appreciation for the variety of soil colors. (Note: To get soils of different colors it is often necessary to dig below the topsoil in several locations.)

Painting with Soil – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Instructions for how to make paints of wondrous colors using soil. (Note: To get soils of different colors it is often necessary to dig below the topsoil in several locations.)

The Soil Chain – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lesson about the importance of soil as a natural resource.

Down and Dirty – Discovery School The Dirt on Soil Soil definitions, terms, and concepts presented well for upper elementary and middle school students.

Perkin' Through the Pores – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons and activities about how different soils let water move through them and hold onto water differently.

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Songs about Soil – USDA-NRCS K-12 Do you like to sing? Well, some soil scientists (young and old) do. Read the lyrics and sing them aloud.

Soil Texture Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil texture and particles sizes and contains an activity on Soil Texture (from New Mexico State University)

Soil Color Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil colors and contains an activity on making Soil Crayons (from USDA).

Down and Dirty – DiscoverySchool - The Dirt on Soil Soil definitions, terms, and concepts presented well for upper elementary and middle school students.

Particle Size Using water, soda bottles, and soil, students can use 'the bigger they are, the faster they fall' principle to find out whether sand, silt, or clay is made of larger particles.

Make your own profile - Students create a model of a soil profile using card stock, carpet tape, and soil samples from different horizons.

Paint with Soil Instructions for how to make paints of wondrous colors using soil. (Note: To get soils of different colors it is often necessary to dig below the topsoil in several locations.)

Soil Aggregates Activity uses glass jars, water, hardware cloth and soils to demonstrate how organic matter helps stabilize soils.

Soil Air– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons This simple demonstration allows students to see air in soil and compare the air content of soils from different sites in their area.

Soil Facts– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Definitions of soil and soil survey, information on careers in Soil Science, and information on soil formation and classification.

Soil Quotations– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons The importance of soil to life and culture is illustrated by quotes from people like Leonardo DaVinci, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Indigo Girls.

Soil as a Sponge – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities A sponge in water is used to demonstrate many types of soil water interactions.

Perkin' Through the Pores – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons and activities about how different soils let water move through them and hold onto water differently. Designed for elementary students, but many parts appropriate for middle school.

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Careers in Soil Science– USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Information about soil scientists and career opportunities in soil science.

Soil Sciencebharsar Students Student

Soil Texture Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil texture and particles sizes and contains an activity on Soil Texture (from New Mexico State Univerity)

Soil Color Lesson and Activity - Developed by SSSA, this lesson and activity introduces the concept of soil colors and contains an activity on making Soil Crayons (from USDA).

Soil Texture (sand, silt, and clay) – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons A flow chart to identify soil texture (from the texture triangle) by feel, using a soil sample and water.

Soil Color – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Information about how soil color is related to types of minerals, amount of organic matter, and hydrology.

Soil Facts – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Definitions of soil and soil survey, information on careers in Soil Science, and information on soil formation and classification.

Soil Sciencebharsar Students Jobs

Soil Quotations – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons The importance of soil to life and culture is illustrated by quotes from people like Leonardo DaVinci, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Indigo Girls.

The 12 Soil Orders– USDA-NRCS Photos and information about the twelve soil orders and a high resolution poster with great soil pictures available to download.

Careers in Soil Science – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Information about soil scientists and career opportunities in soil science.

Soil Biology

(Soil organisms such as bacteria, worms, fungi and many more. Soil organic matter and decomposition, composting. How soils affect organisms and organisms affect soil)

Just for Kids: Soil Biological Communities – BLM-NSTC THE soil biology resource site for elementary teachers. Many many resources, lessons, and hands-on activities about soils and organisms. (Too many to list here..go look.)

Soil Safari – Discovery School The Dirt on Soil A fun, interactive, microscopic computer safari through the soil. (Can be downloaded onto a desktop.) Also click on 'Field Guide' for pictures and more information on organisms encountered in virtual and real soil. (Upper elementary and middle school.)

Underground Adventure – The (Chicago) Field Museum A virtual tour of the Chicago Field Museum soil exhibit. Also on-line information and activities about soils and soil organisms.

Secrets to Healthy Soils – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Students examine soil organisms extracted from different fresh soil samples. Samples are extracted overnight by heat lamp and screen. All directions for set-up and types of organisms included.

The fever code pdf download. The Rotten Truth – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Activity in which students demonstrate and learn about decomposition with and without soil. Also has lesson on methods of composting.

Collecting Bugs from the Soil - An SSSA Activity - learn about the incredibly diverse invertebrate community found in soil.

Soil Sciencebharsar Students Login

Tea4Science- SSSA Peer Reviewed Lesson PlanThe students will use a simple method to measure decay of organic matter (plants) by making use of commercially available tea bags. Students can be part of a larger data collection project with this experiment.

Soil Safari – Discovery School: The Dirt on Soil A fun, interactive, microscopic computer safari through the soil. (Can be downloaded onto a desktop.) Also click on 'Field Guide' for pictures and more information on organisms encountered in virtual and real soil. (Upper elementary and middle school.)

Audio Soil Safari – BBC Biologist Mike Dilger leads the listener on a tour through the world of soil organisms.

Microbe Zoo: Dirtland – DLC-ME Michigan State University Information about microorganisms that live in different soil environments, including cropland, low oxygen, high temperatures, and toxic dumps.

Soil Biology Movies Narrated video clips (1-3 minutes) of real soil organisms seen through a microscope and just out of the ground. By Tom Loynachan.

Earthworm Farm – BLM-NSTC Just for Kids: Soil Biological Communities Instructions for how to make an earthworm farm.

Secrets to Healthy Soils – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Students examine soil organisms extracted from different fresh soil samples and learn why they are important. Organisms are extracted from soil samples overnight by heat lamp and screen. Includes directions for set-up and simple descriptions of types of organisms.

Collect Soil Bugs – BLM-NSTC Just for Kids: Soil Biological Communities Instructions for how to make a pitfall trap for larger soil organisms and a funnel trap for smaller soil organisms.

Introduction to the World of Nematodes – APS K-12 Teachers' Guide For grades 7-12 in classrooms where dissecting and compound microscopes are available. It requires materials (funnels, screen, tubing, clamps, 2-ply tissues, ring stand, soil sample, and water) and preparation.

Soil Food Web – NRCS Soil Biology Soil Biology Primer Diagram of a soil food web.

Measuring Soil Microbial Activity - Great Lakes Bioenergy: This activity examines how soil microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are involved in carbon cycling. Students design experiments to explore the relationship between microbial respiration rates and soil variables such as temperature, habitat, soil type, and agricultural management choices. Four methods for measuring CO2 released from soil are provided, one in the field (CO2 probe), and three in the lab (CO2 probe, bromothymol blue (BTB) and acid-base titration).

Tea4Science- SSSA Peer Reviewed Lesson Plan The students will use a simple method to measure decay of organic matter (plants) by making use of commercially available tea bags. Students can be part of a larger data collection project with this experiment.

Soil Biology Primer – NRCS Soil Biology A well done on-line text book on soil organisms and soil quality. For high school students and teachers. Also has some good pictures and clip art to use.

Soil Food Web – NRCS Soil Biology Soil Biology Primer Diagram of a soil food web.

Microbe Zoo: Dirtland – DLC-ME Michigan State University Information about microorganisms that live in different soil environments, including cropland, low oxygen, high temperatures, and toxic dumps.

Soil Biology Movies, Narrated video clips (1-3 minutes) of real soil organisms seen through a microscope and just out of the ground. By Tom Loynachan.

Audio Soil Safari – BBC Biologist Mike Dilger leads the listener on a tour through the world of soil organisms.

Soils Are Alive – The University of Western Australia Soil Health Comprehensive information of soil organisms, biological processes and ecosystem management. For teachers and upper level students.

Introduction to the World of Nematodes – APS K-12 Teachers' Guide For grades 7-12 in classrooms where dissecting and compound microscopes are available. It requires materials (funnels, screen, tubing, clamps, 2-ply tissues, ring stand, soil sample, and water) and preparation.

Carbon Sequestration in Soils – ESA Fact sheet about how soils retain carbon and reduce CO2 in the air.

Measuring Soil Microbial Activity - Great Lakes Bioenergy: This activity examines how soil microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are involved in carbon cycling. Students design experiments to explore the relationship between microbial respiration rates and soil variables such as temperature, habitat, soil type, and agricultural management choices. Four methods for measuring CO2 released from soil are provided, one in the field (CO2 probe), and three in the lab (CO2 probe, bromothymol blue (BTB) and acid-base titration).

Soils and Plant Growth

Soil Sam – Illinois AITC Students make a 'Soil Sam' with a baby food jar to hold the soil and grass seeds planted to grow 'hair'. Includes suggested additions to learn about fertilizers.

Soils & Hydroponics – Science Fair Projects & Experiments Includes sample science fair projects and resources for science fair projects about the relationship between soils and plant growth. Projects are grouped by grade 4-6, 7-9, 10-12.

Soil in the Amazon – PBS Students compare plant growth in soil like that of the Amazon to soil found in temperate climates. For grades 7-12.

Soils & Hydroponics – Science Fair Projects & Experiments Includes sample science fair projects and resources for science fair projects about the relationship between soils and plant growth. Projects are grouped by grade 4-6, 7-9, 10-12.

The Chemistry of Fertilizers – California Foundation AITC Hands-on experiments, activities, practice problems, discussions and writing assignments are incorporated as students learn to break compounds into ions, make a fertilizer and test several fertilizers for phosphate content.

Chemistry in Plant Nutrition and Growth – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information, tables, diagrams, and questions about plant nutrients in soil.

Chemistry in Soil-Plant Relationships – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information and questions about movement of water and nutrients in soil, roots in soil, and fertilizer applications.

Nitrogen Basics – The Nitrogen Cycle - Cornell Extension Fact sheet about Nitrogen transformations and movement of Nitrogen in soil.

Soil in the Amazon – PBS Students compare plant growth in soil like that of the Amazon to soil found in temperate climates. For grades 7-12.

Soil Chemistry

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Soil is a Filter – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Hands-on activity using soil and Kool-aid type drink to demonstrate how soils filter impurities from water. Teaches how soil is important for clean water.

Soil pH: What it Means – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Succinct overview of the range of soil pH and how it affects nutrients, minerals, and plant growth.

Chemistry in Plant Nutrition and Growth – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information, tables, diagrams, and questions about plant nutrients in soil.

Chemistry in Soil-Plant Relationships – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information and questions about movement of water and nutrients in soil, roots in soil, and fertilizer applications.

Chemistry and the Nitrogen Cycle – Alaska AITC Lesson plan with information and questions about forms, transformations, and movement of nitrogen in soil.

The Chemistry of Fertilizers – California Foundation AITC Hands-on experiments, activities, practice problems, discussions and writing assignments are incorporated as students learn to break compounds into ions, make a fertilizer and test several fertilizers for phosphate content.

Soil Color and Redox Chemistry Activity that demonstrates soil color changes.

Physics Quicksand Activity- It is difficult for limbs to move beneath quicksand because of the vacuum created. Use this demonstration with cornstarch to experiment!

Soil Conservation

Keeping the Soil in Its Place – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons, exercises, and hands-on activities about causes of erosion and ways to reduce erosion.

Soil Erosion Demonstration - Soils4Teachers.org Demonstration of how different ground cover affects soil runoff.

Soil Erosion – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Activity using soda bottles, soil, and water, to demonstrate the process of erosion.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Keeping the Soil in Its Place – Utah AITC Dirt: Secrets in the Soil Lessons, exercises, and hands-on activities about causes of erosion and ways to reduce erosion. Designed for elementary students, but parts are appropriate for middle school, particularly the raindrop splash experiment demonstrating how raindrops cause erosion.

Aggregate Stability – USDA-NRCS K-12 Lessons Activity uses glass jars, water, hardware cloth and soils to demonstrate how organic matter helps stabilize soils.

Desertification – UNESCO Teacher's guide that explains the process of desertification through text, case studies, class activities, cartoons, and a poster.

Rain and Soil- An activity looking at soil infiltration and what affects it.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Desertification – UNESCO Teacher's guide that explains the process of desertification through text, case studies, class activities, cartoons, and a poster.

Soils and Land Development

Hold it Up – NOVA Students study how the soil beneath a building influences the buildings stability. This activity is associated with the NOVA program 'Fall of the Leaning Tower' about the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Urban Soils – USDA-NRCS This 77-page document gives information about urban soils for homeowners and renters, local planning boards, property managers, students, and educators.

Understanding Soil Risks and Hazards – USDA-NRCS This 96-page publication introduces several soil related risks and hazards that are important to city and county planners, developers, construction contractors, and others who use or build facilities on or in soils.

Erosion – Dr. Dirt's K-12 Teaching Resources and Activities Photos and descriptions of some of the problems of erosion. Look near the bottom for pictures of erosion in urban settings.

Soil Forensics

Who did it? – Teachers First In this activity students use the unique properties of soil to solve a crime.

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How Soil Evidence Helped Solve a Double Murder Case - CAFSS Case study describing how forensic soil scientists from the Centre for Australian Forensic Soil Science helped solve a murder case. Includes pictures (nothing gory) and explanations of soil evidence. (Also available as a podcast from the CAFSS home site (link).

Collecting Crime Evidence From Earth – Geotimes Stories about cases in which soil evidence was used to solve crimes.

Who did it? – Teachers First In this activity students use the unique properties of soil to solve a crime. (Designed for grades 6-8, but adaptable to higher grades.)

How Soil Evidence Helped Solve a Double Murder Case - CAFSS Case study describing how forensic soil scientists from the Centre for Australian Forensic Soil Science helped solve a murder case. Includes pictures (nothing gory) and explanations of soil evidence. (Also available as a podcast from the CAFSS home site (link),

Collecting Crime Evidence From Earth – Geotimes Stories about cases in which soil evidence was used to solve crimes.