Summer Soil Scoop

Lesson Overview

In this activity, students will study the texture of soil by doing an experiment using soil samples found nearby, a jar or other clear container, and water. After learning what makes soil special and the makeup of soil, students will use an activity sheet and their materials to carry out the experiment and take note of their results. Finally, students are encouraged to perform the experiment as many times as they’d like, using soil samples collected from different locations throughout the summer and comparing them to one another.

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  • Summer Soil Scoop Presentation
  • Activity Sheet (printed)
  • Clear containers with secure lids and labels removed (glass jars or plastic bottles work well)
  • Spade or shovel
  • Soil samples collected from various locations
  • Water
  • Pencil

Optional: Coloring supplies, digital sharing platform (ex. Google Classroom, SeeSaw)

2-PS1-1. Matter and Its Interactions. Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

5-PS1-3. Matter and Its Interactions. Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

HS-ESS2-5 Earth’s Systems. Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

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