Title Description Grade Level Lesson Type Core Idea
Wetlands- Portland State University

Very detailed, upper level presentation of wetland/hydric soils. Best suited for high school and beyond.
  • 9-12
 Slides/Photos/Figures ESS2.C: The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
What Affects Plant Growth

Following the hands-on learning exercise, students will be able to correctly list all 9 factors needed for plants to grow healthy and properly.
  • 6-8
 Activity LS1.C: Organization for matter and energy flow in organisms
What do Backyard Critters Eat

One page document describing common soil macrofauna.
  • 3-5
  • PreK-2
 Reading LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
What's Soil got to do with Climate Change?

A short graphic novel connecting the carbon cycle, soils, and climate change
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Reading ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
What's Soil Worth and Losing Soil!

In this activity, students will see a demonstration of just how little of the earth can actually be used for food production and will discuss how important it is to care for our soil resources. You will use an apple (or some other sliceable sphere) to represent the earth, and cut portions off to show the proportion of the earth that is arable land. Discussion questions focus on ways we lose soil and what soil is worth.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
 Activity ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
When I Think About Poverty

An article about food security in developing countries, and how current practices/technology will have to improve even more to meet the growing need.
  • 9-12
 Reading ESS3.A: Natural resources
When Soil Won the Nobel Peace Prize

This powerpoint is about one of soil's most valuable qualities as a natural resource: its biodiversity. Many microorganisms in soil have contributed to many medical discoveries, namely antibiotics.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Slides/Photos/Figures ESS3.A: Natural resources
Where in the World of Soils ... Soil Types and Regions

Soils around the world vary in color, texture, structure, and chemical, physical, and biological composition. Slides and activities on soil orders
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity, Slides/Photos/Figures, Teacher's Guide ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
Who Did it?

Students use forensics to hone science and lab skills in order to conclude who committed a crime.
  • 9-12
 Activity PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
Who Loves Soil? Tim Does!

Tim Overheu, a soil scientist, describes a day in his life as a soil scientist. He is passionate about keeping soils healthy and spreading his message to others. Find out how to conduct a soil test.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Video ESS3.A: Natural resources
Why do Farmers use Fertilizer?”

Blog post explaining benefits of fertilizer
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Reading LS2.C: Ecosystem dynamics
World Climate Map

A good resource for climate map. Has many other options to view.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
World Food Supply

Powerpoint showing how soil is a valuable resource that supports plants and animals.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Slides/Photos/Figures ESS3.A: Natural resources
World Soil Resources Map Index

Global soil maps of soil resources
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Poster ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
You are What You Drink!

Students learn about the various methods developed by environmental engineers for treating drinking water in the US.
  • 6-8
 Reading ESS3.A: Natural resources

 

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