Soil

This lesson compliments the one on compost. Both lessons can be used across all grade levels (K-6).  Our soil lesson was provided by Betsy, which has been a huge hit with several classes already. Here is that lesson for you.  All materials for the soil lab can be found in the PTA shed. It consists of four different mason jars of soils from around the United States. Feel free to add your own if you are going somewhere in the near future or if you have family that can send you a soil sample. Don’t forget to snap some pics of your little gardeners!

Supplies- Soil samples from the PTA shed, soil handouts, paper and pencils

Activity- Give students an introduction to soil.  Go over handouts. Discuss the difference between dirt and soil.  Divide the classroom into four groups. Set up 4 stations in the garden.  Set one soil sample up at each station. The fourth station will have a wordsearch (younger grades) or soil testing (3-6th grade)* for students to complete. The jars of soil have samples from Maine, Ohio and two from La Mesa.  At each of the soil stations, have students gently open the jars and smell and touch the sample. Keep them mindful that soil should remain in the jars at all times. Ask students to record their findings.  Did the soil smell musty, sweet, sour? Did it feel moist or dry?  Students should spend no more 20-30 minutes traveling to each station and logging their discoveries.

*(3-6th grade) There are soil pH strips in the shed that students can use to test and record the pH levels in the garden beds.  The white planters, redwood planters and wicking beds all have different soils. Students can take a more in depth look at our soil in the garden.

Lead students back to the classroom.  Using the same groups, have each group present their findings to the class.  They can create a poem, song, poster or simply share their observations. (We had one group of 2nd graders make a hilarious commercial…the sky’s the limit).

Extra Activity/fun for all grades:

You can also do an edible soil activity with the kids.  Ask parents to help donate items! Demonstrate the layers of soil using tasty treats.

 You will need: Cheerios (bedrock), Marshmallows (subsoil), Cocoa Krispies (top soil), mini M&M’s (humus), gummy worms (red wigglers), clear plastic cups for each student and sharpies.  

Have students arrange the ingredients in order in their cups. Then have them label their cups with a sharpie. They can take them home or enjoy in class.