Soils Targeted Grade Level -- 2 Developed by National Science Resource Center Distributed by Carolina Biological Supply Company

Soils Module Overview

In this unit students investigate the chief components of soil-sand, clay, and humus -- and explore the relationship between soil and plant growth. Early in the unit, they create their own compost bags, which enables them to observe the decomposition of organic materials over time. The students also conduct tests that enable them to observe and compare such properties as particle size, settling and water retention. These properties are then related to plant growth, as students plant cucumber seeds in a clear plastic tube. As students observe root growth, they learn about the role of roots in keeping the plant anchored and upright. In a final activity, students apply what they have learned to investigate a sample of local garden soil.

Descriptions of the Science and Technology for Children ^tm (STC) units © 1997 National Academy of Sciences. Reproduced with permission from the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), Washington, DC. For more information about the STC ^tm program and other NSRC programs and activities visit the NSRC web site. For information on ordering the STC ^tm curriculum visit the Carolina Biological Supply Company web site.

These module pages were initially created by Mary Harris, Decatur City Schools; Roslyn Pressnell, Athens City Schools; Sue Gunter, Morgan City Schools; Anne Davidson, intern; and Arlene Childers, HASP co-project director. Please address comments or questions to hasp@dcs.edu

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