Download This Lesson: The Soil’s Alive
Brief Description: Discover more about what lives in the soil and what it is composed of.
OBJECTIVES
The students will:
- observe relationship by comparing and contrasting soil samples
- note differences in soil texture, color, and moisture content
- describe living creatures in the soil
ESTIMATED TEACHING TIME
45-60 minutes
Correlations to State of Maine Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction
ELA = English Language Arts, HE/PE = Health Education and Physical Education, MA = Mathematics, SCI = Science, SS = Social Studies, VPA = Visual and Performing Arts
** Alignment possible only if lesson extension is done
Grade |
Maine Learning Results |
Common Core Standards for English and |
3-5 |
SCI – D2. Students describe the properties of d. Describe the kinds of materials that form rocks and soil. ELA **Writing: B3. Students write to identify and explain b. Write about a central question or idea by using Listening & Speaking: E2 Students apply active a. Ask clarifying questions.
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**ELA Speaking & Listening Grade 3: 4. Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount Grade 4: 4. Report on a topic or text, tell a story, Grade 5: 4. Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, Writing Grade 3: 1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, Grade 4: 1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, Grade 5: 1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts,
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Lesson Extension: Writing Activity – Students will make chart entries that include: description and location of sample, size of sample, and number of plants, insects, animals, and other objects. After all entries have been made, students will write a short essay giving their opinion about which soil would be most appropriate for growing crops. Opinion must be supported by observations made and knowledge of needs of plants. |