Soil Field Study Tour |
|
|
Field Study Tour: Animals • Plants • Soil • Water
Next Generation Science Standards: Animals • Plants • Soil • Water |
|
Absorption / Compaction / Permeability
Students test a variety of locations for absorption rate and discuss the relationships among human activity, permeability and plant and animal habitat. |
|
Apple Earth
Students examine and discuss the concept of soil as a limited resource. |
|
Compost / Worm Bin
Students observe a worm bin and explore the role organic decomposition plays in soil formation as well as the role composting plays in waste reduction. |
|
Erosion
Students identify types of erosion and discuss human activity and the impact of erosion on soil and ecosystem health. |
|
Geology
Students analyze geologic profiles on site and discuss the geologic history of the local area. The rock cycle is discussed and rocks are categorized as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. |
|
Mud City
Students take on the role of farmers to try to reduce erosion on a plot of land. |
|
Particle Size
Students categorize inorganic matter by size and characterize loam as a combination of sand, silt and clay. |
|
|
pH
Students test pH of soil and discuss the relationships among pH, plant growth and human activity. |
|
Slope and Aspect
Students measure slope and aspect of the land and discuss the implications of slope and aspect on land management decisions. |
|
Soil Life Survey
Students collect and examine soil organisms and discuss the role of organisms in soil health. |
|
Soil Profile
Students collect and describe local soil horizons and discuss soil formation. |
|
Soil Recipe
Students attempt to "make" soil, examine the importance of time in the natural formation of topsoil, and characterize soil as either a renewable or non-renewable resource. |
|
Soil Texture and Structure
Students characterize soil particles by texture and structure. |
|
Topography
Students observe the local landscape and use topographic maps to explore the factors that create the shape of the land. |
|
|
Weathering
Students examine evidence of chemical and physical weathering and experiment with both types. |
|
Field Study Tour: Animals • Plants • Soil • Water
Next Generation Science Standards: Animals • Plants • Soil • Water |
