Title Description Grade Level Lesson Type Core Idea
State Soils

This website describes state soil series and how they are named. State soil fact sheets and monoliths are also listed for each state.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Reading ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
Story Map -- A World Of Forests

Explains importance of trees to human sustainability, includes graphics, maps and photos
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
 Interactive Website ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
Story Map: The Living Land

the fundamental “problem” -- is there enough land for everything?
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Interactive Website ESS3.A: Natural resources
Sustainable Food and Fiber Production Through Soil

This reading highlights the nutrient needs of plants and the role soils play in providing those nutrients.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
 Reading LS2.B: Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
Sustaining Living Soil with Composting

Composting is the decomposition of organic waste materials in the presence of water, air, and microorganisms to produce organic fertilizer. Learn how to construct a simple compost bin, creating the right environment for microbial decomposition.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
 Activity ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
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)
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Video ESS3.A: Natural resources
Tea for Science

Experiment to better understand the decomposition of organic matter.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity, Lab Experiment LS2.B: Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
Temperate/Boreal Forest Soils

An overview of temperate forest soils going through ClORPT.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Reading LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
Test Your Soil

Some things in soil can't be seen and can only be measured with tests. Learn how to use a soil test kit to find out how much of each types of chemical is in your soil.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity LS2.B: Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
The Aral Sea Crisis

Reading explaining the causes of the Aral Sea crisis and desertification.
  • 9-12
 Reading ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
The Berlese Funnel

Exercise to extract insects from the soil and explore the diversity.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
  • PreK-2
 Lab Experiment LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
The Color of Soil

Students will learn about what makes soils different colors and will practice classifying soils with a simplified color chart. Soil art project suggestions (soil paints, dirt shirts) are included at the end.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
The Deforestation of the Amazon: A Case Study in Understanding Ecosystems and Their Value

Students examine tropical deforestation in the Amazon from the perspective of three dominant stakeholders in the region. Subscription needed for answer key
  • 9-12
 Activity ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems
The Dirt About Desert Soils-Indiana Public Media

An audio track talking about deserts
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
The Dust Bowl - Esri Geoinquiries

Students analyze the change in California’s population relative to the change in the Dust Bowl states’ population during the 1920s and 1930s.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity ESS3.A: Natural resources

 

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