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CEDAC

Copyright or Image edited by Henry Guzmán

Unit Plan #2: Soil Health and Composition

Primary Goal: Students learn how seeds sprout and grow into plants and what conditions they need to germinate successfully.

Grade Level: 3rd to 5th Grade (Ages 8-11)

Duration: 1-2 Weeks

Subject Areas: Science, Ecology, Environmental Education, STEAM

 

The primary source to consider that aligns with the educational standards is the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). https://www.nextgenscience.org/  On the federal level, the EPA Environmental Education (EE) Guidelines PA provide relevant educational resources. https://www.epa.gov/education. Considering and researching local and state-level standards is pertinent when adjusting and implementing the lessons. In this unit, each goal and objective is equivalent to the Social Science Common Core State Standards. Example: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/IL-Social-Science-Standards.pdf

 

Stage 1 – Desired Results (Goals, Objectives, and Key Understandings)

 

Goals (Established Goals):

  1. Students will understand the importance of soil health and its role in helping the plant to grow.  

  2. Students will be able to identify different elements of the soil and its main purposes.

 

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What elements can be identified in a healthy soil? 

  2. How do various soil types impact the growth of a plant?

  3. What organic and sustainable practices can we consider when preparing the soil for our garden?

 

Understandings (Students will understand that):

  1. Soil health is one of the most important aspects when aiming for healthy plants.

  2. Soil comprises several elements we should be familiar with, including minerals, organic matter, air, and water, each playing a fundamental function.

  3. How we approach healthy soil practices will determine our garden's sustainability and environmental impact.

 

Knowledge and Skills (Students will know and be able to):

  1. List and identify the different elements of healthy soil. 

  2. Describe briefly the main characteristics of the ideal soil type for a garden. \

  3. Conduct simple tests to determine soil composition and health. 

  4. Apply what has been learned about soil health to improve garden soil.

  

Stage 2 – Assessment Evidence  (Methods to Evaluate Student Learning)

 

Performance Tasks:

  • Soil Observation Journal: Ensure the students document all their observations, paying attention to the different soil samples, their texture, color, and composition. Make them reflect on how different soil characteristics may affect plant growth positively or negatively.

  • Soil Testing Experiment: Using affordable soil test kits, students execute experiments to test soil pH, texture, and nutrient content. These are some of the most relevant findings to share with the class.

  • Other Evidence: Ensure that activities that encourage class creativity, discussions, and everyone's participation are included, such as essays or drawings. Craft and adapt free resources if the school requires written tests or quizzes to assess the learning process. One example: Soil Composition and Types of Soils Quiz on Quizizz: https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/6194543eeb565a001e84e397/soil-composition-and-types-of-soils

 

Stage 3 – Learning Plan  (Instructional Strategies and Activities)

 

It is recommended that the WHERETO Elements (Understanding by Design by Wiggins & McTighe) be used for the learning activities. The authors describe them in short: “Where is it going? Hook the students, Explore and equip, Rethink and revise, Exhibit and evaluate, Tailor to student needs, interests, and styles, Organize for maximum engagement and effectiveness” (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005, p. 34).

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Learning Activities (considering a Theory of Change, see Unit 1 for more details)

Week 1: Introduction to Soil Health and Composition

  • Concrete Experience (CE): With the help of local experts or master gardeners, introduce different soil samples to the classroom. Ensure students can touch, feel, and describe the different samples.

  • Reflective Observation (RO): Challenge students to predict which soil types they think are best for plant growth and why. They can write their observations in the Soil Observation section of their journal.

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Week 2: Soil Testing and Analysis

  • Abstract Conceptualization (AC): Find creative ways to teach students about the components of soil (minerals, organic matter, air, water) and their roles, use storytelling, multimedia, and any engaging method. It's important that students have a clear understanding of the different soil types and their characteristics.

  • Active Experimentation (AE): Considering a practical, hands-on activity, conduct soil tests (pH, texture, nutrient content, ask experts for other elements to consider) and write down the results. Ensure students discuss the conclusions, especially the soil and plant health aspects.

 

Materials Needed

  • Different soil samples

  • Soil test kits (for pH, nutrients)

  • Magnifying glasses

  • Watering cans

  • Labels and markers

  • Soil Observation Journals

 

Reflection and Improvement

Evaluate: How practical was the lesson? As in every workshop, it is essential to consider feedback from the participants and their understanding of the lessons. How hard or easy was it for the students to execute and interpret the results of the soil tests?

Reflect: There is always room for improvement, and there are things that work well. Find ways to summarize the pros and cons of the lesson and which activities were more engaging and informative for the students.

Revise: Gardening is an ongoing learning experience. Be mindful to modify the upcoming lessons to fulfill your students' needs and the way they learn. Did the students pay more attention to the concept's definitions or the hands-on activities? Then, you can modify future lessons accordingly.

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Troubleshooting?

          There are some common issues when getting and preparing healthy soil for our project. Explore the following sources for support: 6 Soil Problems and How To Fix Them; https://ecogardener.com/blogs/news/6-soil-problems-and-how-to-fix-them. 

Additionally, there are experts in almost every field, including gardening, and most state universities have a MasterGarden project with volunteers spread out in towns and counties. It's worth and necessary to find a partnership with them. Some examples: 

 Make sure to research within your bioregion to find volunteers and experts to partner with. 

 

Multimedia and Online Resources

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