Grade Level: 4

Content Area: Science

Standard: 

4.13 Plan and carry out investigations to examine properties of soils and soil types (e.g., color, texture, capacity to retain water, ability to support growth of plants).

Objective: Students will know how to identify the properties of the four types of soil. Students will plan and carry out an investigation that examines the various types of soil and soil properties. Students will describe the data collected that will serve as the basis for the evidence.

Directions: We discussed the four different types of soil: gravel, sand, silt, and clay, and their different properties. Students brought in soil from their homes. We then examined the soil to investigate and then record our findings of color, texture, retainability of water, and which soil type it was. 

Guidelines: Students used trays, spoons, and their soil from home to carry out the investigations. Students then recorded their findings in chart.