Lessons and Activities Search


We've curated a collection of lessons, hands-on activities, labs, readings, and more - all about soils and topics related to soils – in this searchable database. Some are posted directly by SSSA others we have reviewed and recommend. While they are not officially endorsed, we found them to have high quality materials for lessons and activities at different grade levels. And, you can save items of interest to a custom binder (you’ll need to create an account to access this feature).

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Next Generation Science Standards
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How Pedology and Mineralogy Helped Solve a Double Murder Case: Using Forensics to Inspire Future Gen

The article briefly reviews the history of forensic soil science and the reasons why soil materials are considered ideal pieces of contact trace evidence. It also provides an excellent example of forensic soil science in solving a murder case.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
9-12
Reading
Malian Bogolan

An introduction to Malian bogolanfini (mudcloth), and how it is made.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Reading
Nutrients needed for proper crop development

Reading and worksheet engaging students in the relationship between plant nutrient needs and sources.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
9-12
Reading
Rainforest Information for Kids

although there is not a lot of information on soils, there is basic to advanced information on rainforests on this website



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
Reading
Soil Microbes

Research highlights connecting soil biology and land management.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
9-12
Reading
How Soil Evidence Helped Solve a Double Murder Case

A (non-gory) account of how CSIRO soil scientist helped solve a murder case based on soil found on evidence.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Reading
Rain or Shine: An Introduction to Soil Physical Properties and Processes

Online textbook suitable for teacher background information or for high school students



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Reading
Plant and Soil Sciences e-library, Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 3 - Soil Forming Factors

This lesson identifies the five major soil forming factors and discusses how they influence soil development.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Reading
6.4 Soil Orders and 6.5 Major Biomes

Illustrates the factors influencing soil formation and relates these factors to the climate and living plants and animals that are found in the various biomes.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Reading
Soil Formation Processes

Multimedia website demonstrating that each soil forms as a unique expression of five soil-forming factors (climate, vegetation, topography, parent material, and time) that work through soil processes.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Reading
The Soil Orders Simplified

describes the most general 12 orders of soil classification



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Reading
Why do Farmers use Fertilizer?”

Blog post explaining benefits of fertilizer



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.C: Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
6-8
9-12
Reading
Different Types of Tundra - UC Berkeley

There are different tundras and this site covers the different characteristics.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
6-8
9-12
Reading
Different types of deserts - UC Berkeley

Deserts around the world have similarities, but there are also lots of differences



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Reading
Dryland salinity in Western Australia

Reading describing causes and impacts of soil salinity



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
6-8
9-12
Reading