Soil Stories
In this activity, students explore differences in soil types and
composition.
Doing the Activity:
Who doesn’t like getting their hands a little
dirty? The next time a child in your care decides to dig a hole in the ground,
turn it into an educational opportunity. Describe to children that you will
conduct an experiment to analyze the soil sample they have just collected. As
you dig and collect soil samples, ask:
• What do trees and other plants get from soil? If so, why?
• Do different plants have different soil needs?
• Describe the soil: What
color is it? How does it smell? How does it feel?
Have children make a “soil shake” by placing one half cup of
soil into a jar with a lid and adding two cups of water. Ask them to predict
what will happen if they shake the closed jar and let it settle for a few
hours. Then, try it. Over time, soil layers will become visible. Gravel will
fall first; then sand, silt, and clay; organic matter (leaves, twigs, stems)
will remain floating in the water. Have children draw a picture of the layers
formed by their soil shake, or collect and test soil samples from other areas (forest,
field, yard) for comparison.
Get permission before taking
soil samples. Use plastic jars, if possible.
Visit http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm to find soil types specific to your area
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