Grounded in a Good Way
Grounded in a Good Way
Objectives
In this unit, students will investigate how soil is made. They will conduct various investigations to identify the characteristics of soil. Students will collect soil samples that are examples of soils found in their area and identify the characteristics. Students will:
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understand that a force can break down rocks into smaller pieces.
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identify water as a force that can break down rocks.
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distinguish the difference between soil and dirt.
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identify the characteristics of soil.
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investigate the properties of soil in Pennsylvania.
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identify the contents of soil as living and nonliving.
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identify soil as a renewable resource.
Essential Questions
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
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Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, a resource for a background understanding of soil
http://cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/facts/agfact35.pdf
Note: This unit should be done prior to the ground freezing.
Formative Assessment
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View
Multiple Choice Items:
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What does soil have that dirt does not?
A
rocks
B
nutrients
C
pebbles
D
ants
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What is soil made of?
A
living things and plants
B
nonliving things only
C
living and nonliving things
D
living things only
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Which is the source of energy for plants?
A
nutrients
B
water
C
minerals
D
sunlight
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Which statement best describes rocks?
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A
They are part of the air in soil.
B
They are living things.
C
They are part of the soil.
D
They are the water in the soil.
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Which items does organic material in soil contain?
A
living and once-living material
B
clay and silt
C
rocks and minerals
D
sandy soil and pebbles
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Which phrase best describes weathering?
A
building up of soil
B
breaking down of rocks
C
tearing down of water
D
breaking down of plants
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Which items play the biggest role in breaking down rock?
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A
wind and water
B
wind and mud
C
water and ships
D
wind and dirt
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8. What are the three main types of soil?
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A
clay, water, and air
B
sand, rocks, and clods
C
rocks, pebbles, and plants
D
sand, silt, and clay
Multiple Choice Answer Key:
1. A
2. C
3. D
4. C
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. D
Short-answer Items:
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9. Look at the picture below. Circle the living things you see and list 3 things found in soil.
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__________________________________________________________________
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10. Soil is a renewable natural resource. This is a true statement. List two reasons why soil is important and three reasons why soil is a renewable natural resource.
Short-answer key and Scoring Rubrics:
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9. Look at the picture below. Circle the living things you see and list 3 things found in soil.
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- Rocks, worms, sticks, shells, leaves, clay, animals (examples)
Note: You may also accept the pencil and playing cards if students are able to explain that they are primarily made out of once living things.
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10. Soil is a renewable natural resource. This is a true statement. List two reasons why soil is important and list three reasons why soil is a renewable natural resource.
Points
Description
5
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Student lists two reasons why soil is important. Answers may vary. Examples listed below.
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Soil provides nutrients and food for living things.
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Soil holds water for plants.
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Soil helps break down dead organisms.
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Student lists three reasons why soil is a renewable natural resource:
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Soil is formed from living things and living things that have died.
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Soil is created when living things die and get broken down into small pieces.
- Soil is created when living things leave their wastes in it.
4
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Student lists two reasons why soil is important.
- Student lists two reasons why soil is a renewable natural resource.
3
- Student lists a combined three reasons with at least one from each group.
2
- Student lists two reasons, from either group.
1
- Student lists only one reason from either group.
0
- Student demonstrates a lack of understanding or does not attempt to complete the assessment.
Performance Assessment:
You want to build a school garden. The garden must have soil that will contain good nutrients for the plants and hold enough water for the plants. You have decided to do a soil test. You have three different soils: clay, sandy, and potting. How would you conduct an investigation to see which soil would be best for your garden?
Performance Assessment Scoring Rubric:
Points
Description
5
The student completes all five of the requirements:
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states a hypothesis
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plans the investigation
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carries out the investigation
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collects data
- reaches a correct conclusion
4
The student completes four of the requirements.
3
The student completes three of the requirements.
2
The student completes two of the requirements.
1
The student completes one of the requirements.
0
The student demonstrates lack of understanding or does not attempt to complete the assessment.
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DRAFT 11/15/2010
