GRADE: ESAM: 3-5

CONTENT STANDARD: Earth and Space Science

CONTENT TOPIC: Geology/Earth Structure

CONCEPT: Rocks and soil move through a continuous cycle.

CONTENT OBJECTIVE: A1.00 To understand some living and non-living components of soil

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: The learner will:

1.01 discuss components of soil.

I. Living components of soil
II. Non-living components of soil

TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Process Of Science

TN GOAL:

To enable students to demonstrate the process of science by posing questions and investigating phenomena through language, methods and instruments of science

1.1 OBSERVING - The senses are used to develop an awareness of an event or object and the properties thereof.

1.1a Observing is a process used to develop an awareness of the surrounding environment.

BENCHMARK: Awareness of our surroundings is a result of individual observations and prior knowledge.

TIME REQUIRED:

One instructional period (30 minutes)

Containers of soil, magnifying glasses, 1 per group of 4 students, paper plate, 1 quart jar w/lid, baggie of soil with leaves, sand, etc.

Today we will look at something that we normally call dirt. What is a better name for dirt? (Soil) Think of a time when you were supposed to keep your clothes clean and you didn't. Tell your neighbor what happened (response - got into trouble for getting dirty, etc.) We are going to look more closely at soil.

We know that useful materials from the earth are called natural resources. Plants, air, forests, and water are all natural resources. OIL is also a natural resource. Let's think of some ways that soil is important to us. (Write on board as children brainstorm (i.e. animal homes, to plant crops in) What do you think we would find if we looked at the soil carefully? (Responses - bugs, leaves, rocks, etc.) We could find some living things, and some NON living things.)

Let's look at a soil sample (Have a prepared baggy with a good soil combination small rocks, silt, decaying leaves, bark chips, etc. Pour the baggy contents into a quart jar. Add water. Shake. Let the contents settle as you go on with the rest of the lesson. Discuss after supervised practice.)

I am going to give each group of children a container of soil, a paper plate, and a magnifying glass. Pour the soil on the paper plate. Look carefully, using a magnifying glass (or you may use small microscopes) Classify the items you see as "living or non-living." Write on your paper 2 headings, living & non-living. Write the name of each item under correct heading. (Give students time to look at soil. Try to include live bugs, worms, and/or roots in each sample.

Class, let's write on the board the different things we found. (Compare and contrast lists. Discuss) Did everyone have the exact same things? (Response) Why or why not? (Samples may have been from different places.)

Look at jar. Discuss how items have settled, heaviest on bottom, organic matter on top.

What do we use to plant seeds in? (Soil) Tell your neighbor two things we might find in soil (Bugs, worms, roots, etc.) In your science journal, draw a picture and label one living thing and one non-living thing you found in your soil.

Scientist Connection - a soil scientist studies types of soil. A soil scientist could work for the Soil Conservation Office.

A scientist who studies the effects of man on the earth's crust is a geologist. A geologist may work to identify rocks and minerals, to develop plans for landfills, or for oil companies.

This is the time this file has been accessed since 04/15/2004.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.

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