Table of Contents

Module Overviews

1. Know Soil, Know Life

Students engage with an online GIS storymap and discuss the fundamental question: Is there enough land for everything? They consider what it means for land to be "arable." Students examine how soil is used in a variety of everyday objects and products. They learn the basic soil processes and how soil is formed.

Time required : 240 minutes, or 4-5 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computer for video clips and GIS, PowerPoint, soil samples, samples of materials that are from soil (or images of objects printed on card stock), apple, sand, topsoil, M&Ms, cheesecloth, petri dishes or clear glass plates, eyedroppers, plastic spoons.

2. Physical Properties of Soil and Soil Formation

Students discover the clues to a mystery hidden in the soil. They explore the physical properties of soil, and how soil formation determines these properties. Students then examine how soil characteristics influence the range of plants that can grow in a given region.

Time required : 650 minutes, or 10-11 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computer for video clip, a variety of soil samples, pint- and quart-sized mason jars, lab materials, stopwatch, ice pick, tin can with ends cut out, scale, light microscope.

3. Soil Biology: The Living Component of Soil

In this module students begin the lesson by engaging in the smell of soil. They then complete several hands-on labs to discover and explore the diverse array of soil life forms. Students watch several videos and discuss the soil food web. Students conduct additional lab activities to quantify soil microbial activity.

Time required : 560 minutes, or 9-10 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computers, soil samples, beet, hand-lenses, microscopes, tweezers, shovels, containers to hold soil, digital cooking thermometer, dead leaves from a tree, ziplock bags of ice, bromothymol blue.

4. Chemical Properties of Soil, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

Students discover the chemical properties of soil through a series of hands-on activities, video clips and reading assignments. Students examine the relationship between soil nutrients and plant health. After completing several labs and activities, they then consider the role of fertilizer in agriculture.

Time required : 750 minutes, or 15 class periods
Tools and Technology needed:6-volt battery, copper bands, alligator clips, clay-water slurry, small glass jar or beaker, small plastic cup, foil pan to hold water, food-coloring.

5. Soil Classification, Soil Survey, and Interpretations of Soil

Students begin this lesson with an introduction to the "how and why" of soil classification. Students then complete a brochure describing the characteristics of the soil in a given location. Students use a variety of web-based materials to learn about soil genesis and development and how it relates to soil taxonomy. Once students have a sense of soil orders, they link them to locations around the globe.

Time required : 300 minutes, or 6 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Collection of nails, screws, bolts, and other fasteners, PowerPoint, large U.S. or World Map, computers.

6. Environmental Science, Soil Conservation, and Land Use Management

In this lesson students explore the causes and results of soil degradation as well as the management practices needed to prevent degradation and other environmental issues. Students work with several online computer models to explore management practices that prevent erosion. They then complete a hands-on lab modelling these prevention methods. Students research and present one Best Management Practice and design a watershed management plan.

Time required : 675 minutes, or 10-11 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computers, PowerPoint, Materials to build erosion models: foil pans, 3 9-inch pieces of 2x4" lumber, 40-lb bag of topsoil or mineral soil, scissors, plastic spoons, gridded plastic template, 3 2-liter soda bottles, 3 clear cups, 2 wire hangers, grass seed or sod.

7. Soils and Biomes

Students begin this lesson by viewing a slide show and maps of the World's ecosystems. They then use several online resources to connect soil formation and biomes. Students complete one of several GIS activities and consider how human and/or natural variations in climate can alter the soil and related ecosystems.

Time required : 300 minutes, or 5 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computers, PowerPoint.

8. Soils and Society

Students engage with soil's link to society and culture by examining its use in art, as well as references to soil in literature, and music. They then research historical and modern-day challenges to soil. Students read case studies and present possible solutions to the challenges of deforestation, salinization, and desertification.

Time required : 360 minutes, or 6 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computers, PowerPoint.

9. Careers in Soil Science

Students read about various soil science careers and the education needed to become a soil scientist. Students consider the diverse opportunities that a soil science career provides.

Time required : 150 minutes, or 2 class periods
Tools and Technology needed: Computers, PowerPoint.