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
 
Soil Formation

Soil Formation – Processes details how new soil can appear in a new location, and how soil looks change over time. Slides and activities



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Teacher's Guide
Soil Properties

Every soil sample that you touch is different from all others. Slides and activities



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Teacher's Guide
Soil, Food and Health

Everything that we eat has nutrients. Nutrients get into the soil many different ways: from decomposed animal waste and dead plants, the atmosphere, weathering of rocks and bacteria conversions. Slides and activities



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Tropical Soils

In the hot, wet areas of the world, large jungles can form, with lots of different trees, animals, and flowers. Not all tropical soils are jungles. Includes slides and activities



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Teacher's Guide
Tundra Soils

Far north in the land of northern lights and the midnight sun, soils form that are partially frozen year round. Includes slides and activities



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Teacher's Guide
Wetland Soils

Wetlands are not wastelands full of mosquitoes and ooze. They are a valuable filter of nutrients, and provide beneficial flood control and purification. Wetland soils are often wet for most of the year. Includes slides and activities



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
3-5
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Teacher's Guide
Where in the World of Soils ... Soil Types and Regions

Soils around the world vary in color, texture, structure, and chemical, physical, and biological composition. Slides and activities on soil orders



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
6-8
9-12
Activity
Slides/Photos/Figures
Teacher's Guide
Nutritious Nitrogen

Multimedia interactive explores how nitrogen is managed in agriculture. Includes explanations.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
9-12
Interactive Website
SoilWeb: An Online Soil Survey Browser

This interactive map allows you to explore USDA-NCSS soil survey data for locations throughout most of the U.S. It is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
6-8
9-12
Interactive Website
Story Map: The Living Land

the fundamental “problem” -- is there enough land for everything?



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.A: Natural resources
6-8
9-12
Interactive Website
Story Map -- A World Of Forests

Explains importance of trees to human sustainability, includes graphics, maps and photos



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
3-5
6-8
Interactive Website
Web Soil Survey

Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
6-8
9-12
Interactive Website
BiomeViewer

HHMI BioInteractive BiomeViewer available online or Ipads



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Life Sciences
Core Idea: LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
6-8
9-12
Interactive Website
State Soil Booklets

Interactive map of state soil series with booklets for each state.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences
Core Idea: ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
6-8
9-12
Interactive Website
Investigating the Uses of Backyard Bacteria

In this lab, students learn how to select for protein-digesting bacteria from various soil samples. After isolating the colonies, students are then encouraged to investigate ways to test the effectiveness of their specimens in breaking down protein stains on clothing.



Next Generation Science Standards

Discipline: Physical Sciences
Core Idea: PS1.B: Chemical reactions
9-12
Lab Experiment