DIRT AND SOIL

Pull up your pant legs and get out your shovels! It’s time to get dirty. Our next Science unit is all about dirt and soil. We’re going to visit websites to see how many interesting facts we can find out about the earth we walk on … what’s the difference between dirt and soil anyway? Is the dirt and soil different in Pennsylvania than it is in Maryland? Why? We’ll find the answers to those questions … and more! It’s time to dig!

You can find the answers to lots of dirt and soil questions at Discovery School.com.

Click on the link, read the information and answer the questions below. How many answers can you dig up?

1.) First things first; what IS the difference between dirt and soil?

2.) Did you know that soil has a profile? It does, but what does that mean? Write a definition below.

3.) What is another name for the “layers” of soil?

4.) List the 5 layers of soil and write 2 characteristics of each layer.

Now, click on the “Name That Soil” link on the left side of the page. This page is going to tell you about the different kinds of soil our earth has … are there more than you thought? Did you even think there was more than one? Read the information on the page, and answer the following questions.

1.) What elements make up soil?

2.) List the four types of soil and give a description of each.

3.) What is the name of the very best soil? Why is it the best?

4.) What elements must soil have for plants to grow well?

Now that you’ve finished, print this sheet, and draw a picture of the layers of the soil on the back of the paper. Be sure to label each layer. Turn your work in to me when you are finished.