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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Submit it to be reviewed and vetted by our scientists. Then we'll include it in our database so you can share your ideas with teachers around the word. Submit your lesson plan here.

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Next Generation Science Standards
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Title
Grade
Type
Binder
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Soil Career Poster

Information about being a soil scientist



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
6-8
9-12
Reading
Slides/Photos/Figures
Wetlands- Portland State University

Very detailed, upper level presentation of wetland/hydric soils. Best suited for high school and beyond.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
Guide to Texture by Feel

A flow diagram for teaching texture by feel analysis.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
Slides/Photos/Figures
NRCS Multimedia Gallery

Within this gallery you will find a collection of media files in a variety of formats (images, animations, videos, documents, figures) relevant to soils and agriculture, and applicable for educational purposes.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
Getting the Dirt on your State Soil

Step-by-step guide to identifying and exploring state soil series.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
When Soil Won the Nobel Peace Prize

This powerpoint is about one of soil's most valuable qualities as a natural resource: its biodiversity. Many microorganisms in soil have contributed to many medical discoveries, namely antibiotics.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
World Food Supply

Powerpoint showing how soil is a valuable resource that supports plants and animals.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
SSSA Multimedia Gallery

Within this gallery you will find a collection of media files in a variety of formats (images, animations, videos, documents, figures). The materials have been submitted by SSSA members and those with relevant soils materials that are applicable for educational purposes.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
Who Loves Soil? Tim Does!

Tim Overheu, a soil scientist, describes a day in his life as a soil scientist. He is passionate about keeping soils healthy and spreading his message to others. Find out how to conduct a soil test.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
6-8
9-12
Video
Cation Exchange

Animated video explaining cation exchange.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
9-12
Video
Everything is Chemical

Short animated video describing how everything we consume is built from chemicals.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
6-8
Video
Symphony of the Soil

Drawing from ancient knowledge and cutting edge science, Symphony of the Soil is an artistic exploration of the miraculous substance soil. (for purchase)



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Video
Video: Bioturbation - Worms at Work

A time-lapse video that shows bioturbation by 3 earthworms species.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.E: Biogeology
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Video
Soil Biology Movies

18 movies on the diversity of organisms found in the soil.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Video
The Living Soil Beneath Our Feet

Travel underground for an up-close look at the ants, amoebas, and bacteria that maintain healthy soil. Glimpse this microscopic world and learn about the symbiotic relationship between fungi and tree roots.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Video