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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Color of Soil Worksheet

Simple student worksheet explaining the munsell color system.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
6-8
Activity
Can we feed a growing population?

In this module, students explore the resources that make up our agricultural system in order to answer the question: can we feed the growing population?



Next Generation Science Standards

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

Demonstration of ion movement in soils.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
9-12
Activity
The Dirt About Desert Soils-Indiana Public Media

An audio track talking about deserts



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
The Soil-Air Connection

What is the relationship between soil and the Earth’s atmosphere? Students will explore the connection between what happens below and above the ground. They will learn about the vital role soil plays in the carbon cycle.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Activity
The Plant-Soil Relationship

In this lesson students investigate the relationship between plants and soil.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS1.C: Organization for matter and energy flow in organisms
3-5
Activity
Crisis in the Horn of Africa- New York Times

An activity to understand how desertification affects people, causes famine, displacement, and conflict



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
9-12
Activity
Nourishing the Planet in the 21st Century

Nourishing the Planet High School Materials Includes Teacher Background, activity masters, support materials.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Activity
Unit 7.1 Model My Watershed

Describe a watershed and delineate a watershed on a map; Identify the key factors in a watershed that impact runoff and sediment yield, describe how increased storm-water runoff affects landscapes (e.g., erosion, channel incision, sedimentation) and describe how those factors are impacted by human development;



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
9-12
Activity
Unit 3: Natural and Agricultural Erosion Rates

Students identify their perceptions of erosion by examining images of mountain and agricultural landscapes and discussing which environment is more erosive.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
9-12
Activity
Color in the Garden

Students use the art of soil painting to explore science and the natural world while learning about the color wheel, the importance of soil to agriculture, and why soils have different colors.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
3-5
Activity
More than an Empty Pot

Students will use the story of The Empty Pot to explore literature and science, practicing story mapping and learning about the needs of plants and the importance of soil and water.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
Activity
How Much is Dirt Worth?

Students will understand that topsoil is a limited resource with economic value. Activities include slicing up an apple to demonstrate the distribution of Earth's soil resources and exploring scenarios involving the dollar valuation of soil.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Activity
Desert Biomes

A site with many options to explore more details about deserts.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Got Dirt? (Gardening Initiative Program in WI)

A Garden Toolkit designed to provide step-by-step plans for starting a garden, geared towards assisting school, community, and child care gardens.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity