investigating soils

lesson plan

Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
1

Opening activity:
In small groups complete a topic brainstorm about soils

Students then spend time investigating different soil samples, recording their observations as they go.

They may look at things such as:
* Texture
* Colour
* Components
* Reaction with water

 Examine prior knowledge Discussion around what was discovered and observed * A variety of different soil samples collected by the students
* Lightscopes
* Pipettes
* Water
* Spoons
* Mixing saucers		 1, 2

Thinking: examining prior knowledge

Communication: communicates ideas in small group situation
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
2
 Discuss the main components of soils and how soil is made. The main components of soil vary according the type of soil None for this lesson Communication: communicates ideas during discussion
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
3 & 4

Based on initial investigations students predict which soil they think would hold the most water, giving reasons to support their predictions.

They then develop and conduct experiments to test their theories.
(see teacher notes on experiment development)

Different soils have different porous qualities

How to conduct a fair test

Anecdotal notes during performance of experiment

Students written experiment plan

Presentation of results to the class
(see teacher notes on assessment and evaluation)

 * Soil samples
* Water
* Pipettes
* containers		 1, 2, 3 Thinking : uses thinking for problem solving and experiment development
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
5

Discuss implications from the previous lesson in relation to growing plants in different soils.

Eg some plants grow best in particular type of soil

 Participation in discussion 2 Thinking: establish links between ideas raised in discussion and implications for real life.
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
6

As a class group determine, through brainstorming sessions, what the students already know about soil types and the impact this might have on the growth of plants

Locate information through reference materials and the Internet on the conditions needed for the growth of particular types of plants. Discuss findings

 Written responses to discussion. * Library resources
* The Internet		 1, 2 Communication
Thinking
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
7 & 8

Students determine the effect of growing different types of seeds in different soils (alfalfa, bean etc) by developing a suitable experiment. (see teacher notes on experiment development)

Brainstorm different ways to set up the experiment to gather the necessary data stressing the need for fair testing.

Allow students to develop their own experiments. Students will need consecutive days for experimenting and regular data collection.

 How to conduct a fair test

Anecdotal notes during performance of experiment

Students written experiment plan

Presentation of results to the class

 * Different soil types eg sand, potting mix, loam, a variety of soils from different areas
* Seeds eg alfalfa
* Measuring cylinders
* Small pots
* Cotton wool		 1, 2, 3 Thinking: uses thinking for problem solving and experiment development
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
9
 On completion of the experiment compare data and determine the levels of success and what could be done to improve the outcomes. Student evaluation of completed experiment 1, 2, 3 Thinking
Communication
Lesson
Student Activities
Content Knowledge
Assessment Activities
Resources

SACSA Links
Key Competencies
Essential Learnings
10 & 11
 In small groups students prepare a short presentation based on the knowledge they have gained and their experiment data. This can be presented to another class or group of students Peer evaluation forms can be completed. The information on these forms can be pre-determined by the individual groups 1, 2 Thinking
Communication