Dissecting Soil
Summary
In this environmental field lab, students will dissect soil to see what soil is made up of. Students will work in partners to see if there is 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.
Record their fingings.
Oral presentation of their findings to the group.
Context for Use
Thirty-three 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.
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.
Teaching Notes and Tips
This is a new activity that I will use this coming school year.
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Assessment
Each student will write a paragragh about what makes up soil.
Standards
Earth & Science
a. Earth consists of rocks, soil, water, and gases.
-Describe soil
a. Earth consists of rocks, soil, water, and gases.
-Describe soil