This National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) website provides details about teaching soils in the classroom. There is information for teachers about what soils are, how they form, how they are classified, and what the soil survey does. There are lesson plans and activities on soil erosion, organic matter, soil air, particle sizes, texture, and monoliths. The site offers downloadable poster and PowerPoint ... Full description.

Developed by the US Department of Agriculture's Soil Survey Division (SSD), here are brief descriptions of the soil orders along with maps indicating where the soils are found in the US. Photos of soil profiles accompany descriptions of each order. The soil orders include: Alfisols, Andisols, Aridisols, Entisols, Gelisols, Histosols, Inceptisols, Mollisols, Oxisols, Spodusols, Ultisols, and Vertisols. ... Full description.

Developed by the US Department of Agriculture's Soil Survey Division (SSD), this website describes state soils and their significance. All states have chosen a state soil, which share the same level of distinction as state flowers or birds. Information includes a photo of each official soil, a description of major characteristics and formation, and a map showing the coverage of the soil within the ... Full description.

This site explains the basic process of soil formation and describes some of the characteristics of soils for elementary school children. The information is provided in the form of 13 questions about soil, with the final questions addressing the issue of soil conservation. Once the student has read all 13 informational sections they are awarded a Soil Diploma. Full description.

This site allows the user to search, browse, or use figures and tables to learn more about terminology used in soil science. The information is updated as new terms are developed or existing terms are redefined. The search tool allows the user to enter phrases or terms related to soil science and search for the definition. The search response will also include similar topics or words with suggested ... Full description.

This site is a slide show that explains how to build a compost pile and why compost piles are important. Most of the slides use photographs and illustrations to describe each step of the process. The author includes examples of specific materials to use and explains why each of these materials are important. The entire presentation is focused on encouraging and instructing children to build compost ... Full description.

In this activity students investigate the facts behind erosion, and observe, record and report their findings. Examples include the Grand Canyon's erosion effects due to wind, glaciers, animals, and humans. Observation and report sheets contain questions to guide students in their work. There are also examples of student reports and a teacher guide. Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan teaches young students about the different kinds of soil. This includes what soil is, layers of soil on the Earth, and the properties of these soils. The site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time required, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. The Classroom Connectors address content with an activity approach while incorporating themes ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan teaches young students about the living and non-living components of soil. The site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time required, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. The Classroom Connectors address content with an activity approach while incorporating themes necessary to raise the activity to a higher cognition level. The major motivation ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan teaches discusses how soil is formed as a product of weathering and organic processes. Students learn the differences in soils in terms of texture, mineral content, and where it is formed, and learn to develop soil profiles. The site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time required, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. The Classroom Connectors ... Full description.