Dissecting Soil

Suzanne Weik
Win-E-Mac School
Erskine, MN
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Summary

In this soil study, students will dissect a soil sample to discover what soil is made up of. A second and fifth grade student will work in partners to see if there are any plants, animals, dirt, or other (water and air) in the soil. At the end each group will bring back to the large group their findings. We will then chart and discuss the findings.


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Learning Goals

To develop their observation skills using field techniques.
Record their fingings.
Oral presentation of their findings to the group.

Context for Use

33 second and fifth graders will work together as partners in this field exercise. This lab should last about an hour. We will be using the school's nature center. The materials that are need are paper plates, spoons, and hand lenses.

Description and Teaching Materials

1. Second and fifth graders will get together in a large group and fill in the KWHL chart. The question to be answered would be "What do you know about soil?".
2. Each pair of students will divide a paper plate into fourths. When that is done, they will label each section 'plants', 'animals', 'dirt', and 'other'.
3. Next we will go out to the nature center.
4. Each group will be directed to find their own area of soil. Then they can begin to dissect the soil.When they find an animal, plant, dirt, or other they place it on that spot on the paper plate.
5. After 20 minutes, we will call all the students together to discuss their findings. These findings will then be added to the KWHL chart.
6. The fifth graders will also gather samples of various types of soil from the area in which they live. Using a hand lens they will compare the soils for color, organic material, and texture. Also compare their odor and how they feel.

Teaching Notes and Tips


Assessment

In the student's science notebook, they will write about what makes up soil and how soil is different from dirt.

Standards

a. Earth structures and processes: structureon function of earth systems.
-Soils are characterized by compositions and properties.
-Investigate the formation, composition and properties of soil.

References and Resources