Title Description Grade Level Lesson Type Core Idea
Cation Exchange

Animated video explaining cation exchange.
  • 9-12
 Video PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
Changing Planet: Withering Crops

A video that examines what will happen to crops as Earth's temperature rises and soils dry out because of changing climate. An accompanying activity is linked.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Video ESS3.D: Global climate change
Chemistry and the Nitrogen Cycle

In this activity, students apply the science of chemistry to the nitrogen cycle and plant growth.
  • 9-12
 Activity LS2.C: Ecosystem dynamics
Chemistry in Plant Nutrition and Growth

This reading provides a quick overview of soil nutrients and why it is important to plant growth. Includes discussion questions
  • 9-12
 Reading LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
Chemistry in plant nutrition and growth handouts

Reading and worksheet engaging students in the relationship between plant nutrient needs and sources.
  • 9-12
 Reading LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
Chemistry, Fertilizer, and the Environment

This five-lesson unit for grades 8-12 uses agriculture to introduce chemistry and environmental science concepts in a way that is relevant to students’ lives.
  • 6-8
  • 9-12
 Activity ESS3.A: Natural resources
Circles of the Earth Bracelet

This activity provides a unique lesson for students to learn about life interactions on our planet.
  • 3-5
  • PreK-2
 Activity ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
Climate and Temperature

How does climate help soil form? This activity demonstrates how soil temperature is affected by water content, plant or mulch cover, and aspect.
  • 6-8
 Activity ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
Collecting Crime Evidence from Earth

An article about the field of forensic geology, and example cases in which it played a key role.
  • 9-12
 Reading PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
Color Changes in Soil Lab

Hands on activity where soil is soaked in water and allowed to change color.
  • 9-12
 Activity PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
Color in the Garden

Students use the art of soil painting to explore science and the natural world while learning about the color wheel, the importance of soil to agriculture, and why soils have different colors.
  • 3-5
 Activity PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
Color of Soil Worksheet

Simple student worksheet explaining the munsell color system.
  • 6-8
 Activity PS1.A: Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear Processes)
Combating Desertification-Saving Our Topsoil

Through an experiment, students learn what desertification is, where it occurs, why it occurs, and how it is linked to climate change.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
 Lab Experiment ESS3.A: Natural resources
Creating a Soil Mini-Monolith

An overview of soil horizons and a description of how to make soil profile cards (mini-monoliths) is provided. Adapted from a USDA-NRCS activity.
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
 Activity ESS2.A: Earth materials and systems
Crisis in the Horn of Africa- New York Times

An activity to understand how desertification affects people, causes famine, displacement, and conflict
  • 9-12
 Activity ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems

 

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