Seventy thousand different types of soil exist in the United States alone. Young scientists learn about the importance of soil to the food supply. They test soil for a variety of factors and determine the best place to set up a community garden. A presentation rounds out the instructional activity.

Concepts

soil, soil composition, farming, community gardens, gardening, topsoil, soil layers, soil analysis, soil erosion, soil types

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss different soil types by geographic location
• Invite a farmer to speak to the class
• Look at the needs of the local food shelter and how a garden might help

Classroom Considerations

• If your school already has a garden, research community garden options

Pros

• Follows a 5E format
• Includes multiple options for a final evaluation
• Supported by the USDA best practices

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.8.2 SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.7 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4 RST.11-12.7