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).

Have you designed an awesome lesson/activity?

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.

Note: Please use commas between keywords and/or phrases.
Grade Level

Lesson Topic

Resource Type

Next Generation Science Standards
Note: Leaving all filters unchecked will search all (per category)
 
 
For checked items

Please log in to use your binders.

Log In to your account

Already a member, certified, or existing customer?*

* Cookies must be accepted to log in.

Not sure if you have an account?
Check Your Email

Join Us!
Connect with members and access the information you need.
Learn more.

Ready to Join?
If you have an account, login on the left. Not sure if you have an account or need to create one? Check your email with the link above. We look forward to welcoming you.

 
 Check all items

You may save results below to your personal Binder* (Login required). Check the box next to a result and click "Add to Binder".

* A "Binder" is a central location for all resources you wish to save.

Title
Grade
Type
Binder
Select
 
How to Make Dirt Shirts

Students learn whether or not soil can be used as a natural dye.



Next Generation Science Standards

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

Activity that demonstrates how soil can filter impurities from water, both physically and chemically.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
The Sponge Model

This models uses a household sponge to demonstrate several characteristics of the relations of soil and water.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
3-5
6-8
Activity
Volunteer Wetland Monitoring - US EPA

A guide to monitoring wetlands. For advanced students and teachers looking for a long term project.



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
Chemistry and the Nitrogen Cycle

In this activity, students apply the science of chemistry to the nitrogen cycle and plant growth.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.C: Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
9-12
Activity
World Climate Map

A good resource for climate map. Has many other options to view.



Next Generation Science Standards

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

Discover the beauty of soil colors in natural landscapes, pottery, bricks, etc. and how the pigments in soil colors can add natural beauty to artwork by making soil crayons.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
What Affects Plant Growth

Following the hands-on learning exercise, students will be able to correctly list all 9 factors needed for plants to grow healthy and properly.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS1.C: Organization for matter and energy flow in organisms
6-8
Activity
Apple Activity

Students will learn how limited productive soil is as a natural resource on Earth. The students will visually see how very little soil there is available for growing all of the food, fiber, and lumber for the ever growing world population.



Next Generation Science Standards

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

Participants will learn how to construct a compost pile, what residues are added and how much, and how to create the right environ­ment for microbial decomposition by introducing air and water.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
CSI: Forensic Soil Analysis

Students will attempt to solve a “cold case” crime based on evidence from the suspects and the crime scene in the form of soil samples.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
6-8
9-12
Activity
The Microbe Zoo and Dirtland

The "microbial zoo" helps students learn about the different functions and ecosystem services of soil microorganisms.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.E: Biogeology
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Desertification and the American Dust Bowl

A guided discussion about desertification, including causes, effects, impacts on human health, and solutions, after watching the History Channel video “Black Blizzard” about the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in the United States.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
6-8
9-12
Activity
Soils are Living, from Pedon to Pore

In this activity, students will dig up a sample of soil and examine it for life forms.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
PreK-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Farm to Table

In this activity, students use knowledge about the five food groups to plan and produce a group meal, and determine which ingredients were produced locally and which came from farther away.



Next Generation Science Standards

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