The Living Soil Beneath Our Feet

Travel underground for an up-close look at the ants, amoebas, and bacteria that maintain healthy soil. Glimpse this microscopic world and learn about the symbiotic relationship between fungi and tree roots.

Discipline
Earth and Space Sciences
Grade Level
3-5
6-8
9-12
Lesson Type
Video
Lesson Keywords
Soil Microorganisms
Decomposers
Fungus
Bacteria
Soil Basics
Soil Biology

Tea for Science

Experiment to better understand the decomposition of organic matter.

Discipline
Life Sciences
Grade Level
6-8
9-12
Lesson Area
Soil Basics
Lesson Type
Activity
Lab Experiment
Lesson Keywords
Decomposition
Organic Matter
Carbon Cycle
Soil Basics

School Garden Lesson Plans

This guide contains 35 lesson plans with activities to engage your students in a fun and educational exploration of fruits, vegetables and healthy eating.

Discipline
Earth and Space Sciences
Grade Level
3-5
PreK-2
Lesson Area
Soils and Plant Growth
Lesson Type
Activity
Lesson Keywords
garden
Plant Growth
Soils and Plant Growth

Making Soil

Making soil using food waste and composting techniques.

Discipline
Earth and Space Sciences
Grade Level
3-5
6-8
9-12
PreK-2
Lesson Area
Soil Biology
Lesson Type
Activity
Lesson Keywords
composting
Soil Quality
Soil Management
food waste
Soil Biology

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.

Discipline
Life Sciences
Grade Level
3-5
6-8
9-12
PreK-2
Lesson Area
Soil Biology
Lesson Type
Activity
Lesson Keywords
composting
making soil
Soil Life
Soil Biology

Exploring Seeds

A collection of lessons about seeds and plant growth for use with elementary students

Discipline
Life Sciences
Grade Level
3-5
PreK-2
Lesson Area
Soils and Plant Growth
Lesson Type
Activity
Lesson Keywords
Plant Growth
Soils and Plant Growth
seeds
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