Properties of Soils (Grades 9-12)

Students examine different types of soil that have been mixed with water and allowed to settle. Next, they work with a soil model to investigate its components (sand, silt, and clay) and learn how the properties of these components affect the passage or retention of water through the soil and the amount of air in the soil.

Grades
9 – 12
NE: Grades 9 – 12
Estimated Time
2 hours
Updated
January 31, 2024
hand holding soil
Image: Jing/Pixabay

Background

Lesson Activities

Credits

Author

Nutrients for Life Foundation

Sources

  • Nutrients for Life Foundation
  • BSCS-Biological Science Curriculum Study
  • Reviewed by Smithsonian Institution

Standards

Nebraska Content Area Standards

  • Earth and Space Science - 15.5 Sustainability

    • SC.HS.15.5.D: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that increases positive impacts of human activities on natural systems.
  • Physical Science - 5.5 Chemical Reactions

    • SC.HS.5.5.E: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.