Create an Edible Soil Profile, Free Classroom Learning Activity

STANDARDS & CONNECTIONS:

NGSS.3-5-ETS1, NGSS.MS-ETS1, NGSS.HS-ESS2-7

SUGGESTED MATERIALS:

Clear plastic cups, plastic spoons, green sprinkles and gummy worms (O), chocolate pudding (A), vanilla pudding (B), hard candies (C), graham crackers (R), variety of other sweets for them to make their own versions

BACKGROUND:

All soils have different types of layers and those layers give us insight into the fertility of the soil. Dig down deep into any soil, and you’ll see that it is made of layers, or horizons (O, A, E, B, C, R). Together, the horzions form a soil profile. The O horizon is made of loose and partly decayed organic matter or humus. The A horizon is mineral matter mized with some humus, also known as topsoil. The E horizon is light-colored mineral particles and is the zone if eluviation (signigicant loss of minerals) and leaching. The B horizon is the accumulation of clay transported from above, known as the subsoil. The C horizon is partially altered parent material. Lastly, the R horizon is unweathered parent material called bedrock and is not considered soil.

PROCESS:

Identify

Share the background information with the students, then share the puzzle to be solved. Determine constraints (e.g., time alotted, space, materials provided, etc.) and divide students into small groups.

Imagine

Ask a series of questions to help students brainstorm solutions to the puzzle. Encourage students to list all ideas – don’t hold back! Before moving on, make sure each group selects a solution that fits within the contraints.

Ask: How can you can solve this puzzle? Which of your ideas can you build a prototype for given the constraints?

Design

Students diagram the prototype, identify the materials needed to build the prototype, and write out the steps to take. Students describe the expected outcomes.

Ask: What steps will you take to create your solution? What do you expect your solution to look like and be able to do?