Living soil
Soil is a living substance that changes and responds to its environment. Most life forms depend on soil: Plants need soil to secure their root systems. Animals need soil to break down bacteria. People need soil to grow food, medicine and fibers they make into clothes, paper and many other products. Soil science activities help us understand dirt and appreciate its value.
Erosion Activities
Erosion happens when soil is moved by outside forces. Weather, gravity, plant growth and walking push and move soil. Sometimes they compact it, and other times they loosen the soil, causing it to break loose and slide apart. One activity to reinforce this concept is an erosion chant: Students pick up some soil, move to the side, and drop it. The teacher can direct them in a chant of her choice, with words like, "Pick it up, move aside, and see where it will land." She could also simply repeat, "Erosion happens like this," over and over again with her students.
Another activity is to put different types of soil in separate containers that have drainage spouts. Each day the students water the soil and see how different types of soil react. Some will absorb the moisture. Others will loosen and push water and soil out of the drainage hole. This activity helps students recognize differences in soil types as well as reinforcing erosion concepts.
Soil Color Activities
Soil comes in many different colors. To emphasize this, you can make earth coloring crayons using paraffin (candle) wax and different types of soil. Grind up the soil until it becomes a fine powder. Sift it so you only use the finest particles. Make a double boiler with water in the bottom pan and small pieces of wax in the top pan. Melt the wax, stirring constantly. When the wax is completely melted, add the prepared soil powder and stir to change the color of the wax. Pour the colored wax into small, heat-proof molds and cool. When it has hardened, gently peel away the mold and use the crayon to color.
Soil Observation Activities
Soil comes in different sizes and shapes. Students can use their observation skills to create a soil chart. They can make a display where they categorize different types of soil. Color, texture and size can all be listed in their categories. Students can put some of their soil in cups to see how it reacts to water, noting the absorbency of different soils in their chart. Then they can test their knowledge by identifying soils collected from other students and determining where to categorize them on their own charts.
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