Investigating Soil Composition - Soil Soaks Up Water part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Carrie Leisch, Centerville Elementary School, ISD 12, Centerville, MN 55038 Based on an original activity from Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, Lesson 2 Soil, p. 315 and 319.)
This activity is a classroom quick lab where students explore sand, soil, and water in relation to absorption and permeability.

2-Day Investigating Soil Samples: observing and identifying soils part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Debra Ose Northside Elementary Benson, Minnesota Originally created
This activity is designed for a primary classroom (outdoors & indoors) investigation where students collect and investigate soil samples and describe the soils, looking for similarities and differences. Students develop a method of recording the data colleted and can present the information gathered.

Comparing Soil Samples from different locations part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Chris Bakke, Clearbrook-Gonvick School, Clearbrook, MN, based on an original activity developed as an assignement during MnSTEP Inquiry class.
In this field investigation, students compare various soil samples taken from specific locations. Students compare samples, record data, create a chart or graph, and journal.

Investigating Soil-Which soil help plants grow? part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
kyle johnson
This activity is a guided inquiry investigation where students gather data on which soil is the best for growing plants. Student will interpret their data, and develop a conclusion from the data. The student will determine which type of soil they would like to use in the next activity of making their own terrariums. The data collected could lead to further questions, which can be investigated in some extension activities.

Worm Farming and Composting part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Sybil Haas
This activity is a lab investigation where students design an experiment to create rich soil using organic matter, dirt, newspaper and red worms.

Our Friend the Worm! - Introducing Worm Composting into the Classroom part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Tamara Pickens, Westwood Intermediate, Spring lake Park, MN
This activity is an introduction to setting up a composting worm bin in the classroom. It is part of a yearlong study on the interaction and influences that living system have on each other.

Let's get sedimental: A study of the process of sediment deposition and particle sorting part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Scott Nemetz, Sky Oaks Elementary School, Burnsville, MN. Based on an activity published by Holt, Reinhart and Winston in Earth Science
In this classroom lab, students will investigate particle sorting and deposition.

Seed Investigation part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Dawn Maple Centerpoint Elementary School White Bear Lake, MN
This activity involves seed collection and exploration of common seeds.

Dissecting Soil part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Robin Saltee Win-E-Mac School Erskine, MN
This activity is a field investigation where students find out what makes up soil.

Investigating Soils part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Wayne Buckley Laporte Public School Laporte,MN
This guided inquiry is a laboratory investigation on soil textures where students gather and analyze data, compare findings and develop new experimental questions.