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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Title
Grade
Type
Binder
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Soils Clean and Capture Water

This SSSA video introduces the role of water in the vitality of soils, its distribution across and into soils, and green infrastructure for stormwater management.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
Video
Apple Activity Video

Why soil is a scarce, limited, natural resource and needs to be conserved. Show how much of the earth's surface is used in the production of the food, fiber, and lumber used to feed, clothe, and shelter the people on Earth



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
6-8
9-12
Video
Soil Conservation Site Media Gallery

The media library is focused on conservation happening on the ground. It includes over 500 professional photos of farmers and landowners who are in the process of installing these practices.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
6-8
9-12
Video
Reading
Slides/Photos/Figures
12 Orders of Soil Taxonomy Poster

This poster is rich with information on the 12 orders of soil taxonomy - including images of each. The reverse side provides information on what is the soil taxonomy, a cool map of the US with the soil orders, information on how soils are mapped, soil surveys, and why soils are different. This is designed for the high school, college, and technical level.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Poster
Dig It! The Scoop on Soil Poster

This SSSA poster provides an overview of soil - what it is (and isn't), why it's important, soil horizons, texture, soil triangle, formation, and processes. This unique poster is two-sided with side A being designed for the middle-school grades while side B is for the more advanced levels (typically high school).



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Poster
Soils: Foundation for Life Webinar

Learn the basics of soil - for teachers and students. This hour-long recorded webinar teachers what soil is, how it forms, and how it affects our lives every day through hands-on activities for the classroom. The webinar was presented by professional members of the Soil Science Society of America, and hosted by NESTA.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
6-8
9-12
Slides/Photos/Figures
Webinars (Archived)
Nature's Water Filter

This activity demonstrates how soil acts as a physical and chemical filter for water.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
6-8
9-12
Activity
Liquifaction in Soil Types

How does the type of soil affect how much a house will sink or shift during an earthquake? Conduct this experiment to test it out.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Rain and Soil

When it rains, much of the water drains directly in the ground. But why? Try this experiment and draw your own conclusions.



Next Generation Science Standards

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

This activity will help students observe the basic properties about how soils hold water.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
6-8
9-12
Activity
Earth's Interconnected Systems: Nitrogen

his activity uses a qualitative nitrate test to observe results of some conversions and transformations in the nitrogen cycle.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS1.A: The Universe and its Stars
9-12
Activity
Finding Slope

The slope of soil is an important property to consider when planting or building. Find slope with this activity.



Next Generation Science Standards

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

Kinetic activities, crackers, vinegar and baing soda will help students learn about weathering.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
PreK-2
3-5
Activity
Circles of the Earth Bracelet

This activity provides a unique lesson for students to learn about life interactions on our planet.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
PreK-2
3-5
Activity
Soil Catcher

This fun game brings soil facts to a "soil catcher."



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
PreK-2
Activity