Soil
Just Dirt?
Grade Level: High School
No other resources are more precious to a farmer than water and soil. This lesson looks at one in much more detail than students have probably considered before. Soil is not just an inert receptacle where we place plants and hope they grow. It is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem of biotic and abiotic forces than can shape the productivity of every square inch of our land. During the activity, students will learn about abiotic (non-living) components of soil such as the three major particles sand, silt and clay, and how those factors affect the overall texture of soil, which is utilized in multiple areas of agriculture and crop management. Special attention will also be paid to the biotic features of the soil. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, have a major impact on soil productivity as well as the stability of the soil itself. Students will be sampling different soils and culturing microorganisms for identification from the soils collected. Additionally, students will learn how the presence of these microorganisms can influence crops as well.
Teaching the Lesson
- Kansas College and Career Ready Standards
- Learning Objectives
- Materials
- Safety Considerations
- Procedure for Instructions
- Preparation Procedure
- Background Information
- Classroom Discussion
- Procedures for Lab
- Teacher Resources
- Lab Analysis
- Reflection and Conclusion
- Assessments
- Science and Agriculture Careers
- Sources
- Disclaimer
About Kansas Corn STEM
Investing in Kansas teachers and students is a priority for the Kansas Corn Commission. We are committed to providing materials and training to support STEM education while fostering an understanding of how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. Professional development workshops are offered to teachers seeking to expand their knowledge and inquiry-based teaching skills. Workshop participants receive free lab supplies needed for the lessons.
Workshop InfoThis lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
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