Ohio Learning Standards

Background Information

Activity

Supply List

Assessments

Teacher Resources

References

Extras

CONTENT STATEMENT

3.ESS.1: Earth’s nonliving resources have specific properties.

Soil is composed of pieces of rock, organic material, water and air and has characteristics that can be measured and observed. Use the term “soil”, not “dirt”. Dirt and soils are not synonymous. Rocks have specific characteristics that allow them to be sorted and compared. Rocks form in different ways. Air and water are also nonliving resources. Note: Rock classification is not the focus for this grade level; this is found in grade 6. At this grade, the observable characteristics of rocks can be used to sort or compare, rather than formal classification.

CONTENT ELABORATION

Prior Concepts Related to Properties of Nonliving Resources PreK-2:

Objects and materials can be sorted and described by their properties. Living things are different than nonliving things. Properties of objects and materials can change. Water and air have specific properties that can be observed and measured.

Grade 3 Concepts

The properties of air and water are introduced in the early elementary grades, so the focus at the third grade level is on soil and rocks. Air and water are present within rocks and soil. Air and water also play an important role in the formation of rocks and soil. All are considered nonliving resources. The characteristics of rocks and soil are studied through sampling, observation and testing. This testing includes the ability of water to pass through samples of rock or soil and the determination of color, texture, composition and moisture level of soil. Measurable and observable characteristics of rocks include size and shape of the particles or grains (if present) within the rock, as well as, texture and color or the rock. Age-appropriate tools are used to test and measure the properties. The characteristics of the rock can help determine the environment in which it formed. Technology can be used to analyze and compare test results, connect to other classrooms to compare data or share samples and document the findings.

FUTURE APPLICATION OF CONCEPTS

Grades 4-5: The characteristics of both soil and rock are related to the weathering and erosion of soil and rock, which result in changes on Earth’s surface. The general characteristics of Earth are studied.

Grades 6-8: Further exploration of soil and rock classification is found with the expansion of instruction to minerals and mineral properties.

In order for people to survive and flourish there are various basic needs which have to be met. Some of the necessities include food, water, shelter, space in which to live, sunlight, soil, and air. However, these necessities are not just crucial for a human’s survival. They are crucial for a plant’s and animal’s survival as well. These essential components come together to create what is known as, a habitat. If one or more of these essential components is missing from their habitat, they will not be able to survive.

There are thousands of different types of soil all across the world. In order to classify soil, scientists use the three physical properties such as texture, structure, and color.

1. Soil Texture: Information in the extras below

2. Soil Structure: Information in the extras below

3. Soil Coloration: Soil coloration is important because it can help us indicate the mineral composition, age, and processes of the soil. It can tell us something about the environment, soil behavior, and how long/frequently an area has been wet. For example, bright colored soils drain well and red, gray, or yellow colors are wet.

Soil colors are described and identified by the Munsell Chart. The best conditions when using this chart are direct sunlight at a right angle to the chart and soil. Furthermore, the chart separates identification into the three categories: color shade components, value, and chroma. For Additional Information Visit: https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/sss/2014/03/30/soil-color-never-lies/

• Red soils contain a lot of iron in them from their parent material. They are found in humid environments that have long periods of dry weather. These conditions make the soil rust.

• Yellow soils are similar to red soils, however, they remain wet and humid a majority of the time. They are typically found in the tropics and are known to be very old.

• Gray soils are typically found in wet and colder environments such as a swamp and forested areas.

• Darker soils are typically better for growing than lighter soils. The more black the soil, the better. Their color tells us how much organic matter it contains.

Lesson and Activity:

• Anticipatory Set: Read the story “Diary of a Worm by: Doreen Cronin” or watch “All About Soil”

• Lesson: Students will learn about the importance of soil and its physical characteristics. Furthermore, they will learn about what the Munsell Chart is and how it relates to soil coloration.

• Activity: Students will create a Mud Painting for the cover of their Nature Diaries. Then, they can record their daily observations and reflections in their diary.

PROCEDURES: Students will have access to the Munsell Chart for this activity

• Soil (Teacher or students can dig their own soil or purchase it at the cite below) https://agclassroomstore.com/soil-painting/

• Water

• Paintbrushes

• Cups

• Newspaper or cookie sheets

• Tape

• 8.5" x 11" Watercolor Paper

• Pencils (optional for sketching)

• Food Color (optional for soil)

• Munsell Chart

• Journal

• Glue

Have students: observe soil samples and record their observations, classify soil type through color investigation, and identify the impacts of water on soil color.

Teachers will be able to monitor student learning through formative assessments such as:

• Walking around the room during the activity

• Listening to the student interactions and discussions

• Checking student understanding by asking questions

• Exit slip/Diary Entry with personal reflections and observations

• Seed Soil Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food by: Chris Peterson

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/12042843322300934222?biw=1280&bih=607&sxsrf=ALeKk03Zr_fmC_YfwxkND7-JSCfVez0n-w:1587954930415&q=seed+soil+sun&oq=seed+soil+sun&prds=epd:11669663262128494664,prmr:3&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-utbuyofpAhWmlXIEHR-AAXIQ8wIIqAM

• Diary of a Worm by: Doreen Cronin

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/8951941412486221611?q=diary+of+a+worm&sxsrf=ALeKk02vv8WxUuISaLSVkIrXV-r6JZrxrw:1587954808416&biw=1280&bih=607&dpr=1.5&prds=epd:161927809164269621,prmr:3&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiXuvPryIfpAhXzlXIEHe6XDQoQ8wIImAM

• Munsell Soil Book

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1130086086374954279?q=munsell+soil+color+chart+worksheet&bih=607&biw=1280&hl=en&prds=epd:14617686332376091002,prmr:3&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjj2oy2wofpAhU3j3IEHUC4Bf4Q8wII6QI

• Professional Mud Painting Video

https://kidssteamlab.com/mud-painting/

• All About Soil Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3A7OnTLSM8

• The Wonders of Wetlands page 236-237: Color Me Wet

https://www.google.com/search?q=wow+wonders+of+wetland+2008&sxsrf=ALeKk03_j-utTURnQzX8id3oAlyjJLOzLA:1587954927589&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi3-YKLyYfpAhXOhXIEHWKkB-UQ_AUoBHoECAsQBg&biw=1280&bih=607&dpr=1.5#spd=18309515242458196534

• Changing Earth Teaching Poster

https://www.k12schoolsupplies.net/Changing-Earth-Teaching-Poster-Set-p/mc-p099.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjw4pT1BRBUEiwAm5QuR3R1guUDBR5DlfxOp8NJFqudhcV8URB56sPJjmi2mFzumWfkCelDTRoCgPMQAvD_BwE&click=9

• Jordán, A., Jordán, A., Jordán, A., Jordán, A., Jordán, A., University of Seville, … MED Soil Research Group. (2014, March 30). Soil color never lies. Retrieved from https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/sss/2014/03/30/soil-color-never-lies/

• KiddyMath. (n.d.). Worksheet Does Not Exist. Retrieved from https://kiddymath.com/worksheets/types-of-soil

• K-12 Soil Science Teacher Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.soils4teachers.org/physical-properties

• Slattery, B. E. (2008). Wow! The wonders of wetlands: an educators guide. Bozeman, MT: Environmental Concern Inc.

What is Soil? (2020). Retrieved from https://www.soils4kids.org/about

1. Soil Texture: Texture of soil is important because it decides the soil property that affects plant growth including water-holding capacity, permeability, and soil work ability. Soil is made up of particles characterized into three groups based on size. These three groups consist of sand, silt, and clay. Most soil types contain a combination of all three. However, the percentages of sand, silt, and clay determine the soil’s texture. For example, the best type of soil has an even distribution of each particle group.

• Sand is the largest particle which creates large pores. These pores allow water to flow through rapidly and improves purification. However, sandy soil is not capable of being fertile or holding nutrients, and it feels gritty between the fingers.

• Silt is the mid-size soil particle which is good at carrying water and fertilizing. Additionally, it feels like flour when it is dry and is smooth when it is moist.

• Clay is the smallest particle which creates small pores. These pores allow water to flow through slowly and decreases purification. However, clay soil is capable of holding nutrients and water that is useful by plants. Furthermore, clay turns into hard clumps when dry and is sticky when wet.