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Soil vs. Dirt

5
Published March 21, 2012
Subject: Science
Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Place of Learning: Garden Classroom
Resource Type: Lessons
Grade Level: Grade 1, Grade 2 , Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
Uploaded by:
Rick
Program Affiliations:

In this lesson, students use magnifying glasses to explore different examples of soils from the garden while learning that soil is full of living organisms while dirt is lifeless decompossed rocks and minerals.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Use a magnifying glass  to observe and draw descriptions of small objects or small features of objects.
  • Explain that decomposers, including many fungi, insects, and microorganisms, recycle matter from dead plants and animals.
  • Explain that soil is alive with insects and microorganisms and therefore better for growing plants than dirt.

 

Materials
  • Magnifying glasses.
  • Paper and pens to record observations.
  • Examples of soil and dirt from the garden (ex. finished compost, sample from worm bin, clay dirt).
Preparation
  • Set-up several different stations each with a different soil sample on a plate (make sure at least one is full of insects and microorganisms and one is lifeless dirt).
  • At each station have magnifying glasses and paper and pens for student observations.
Procedures

At the Opening Circle

  • Ask students if there is a difference between soil and dirt.
  • Introduce lesson for the day.

In the Field

  • Divide students into groups (number of groups should be the same as number of soil samples).
  • Have each group go to one of the stations and observe their sample with the magnifying glasses. Students should record their observations.
  • After five minutes have all the groups switch soil stations. Continue until each group has been to each station.

At Closing Circle

  • Invite students to share their observations.
  • Facilitate discussion about the differences between soil and dirt. Ask students what they think plants will grow best in.

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