1. Third Grade
Science
Unit: 05
Lesson: 03
Duration: 5 days
Earth Matters: Investigating Soil
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 1 of 29
Lesson Synopsis:
Students will explore properties of soil and its importance as a natural resource.
TEKS:
3.5 The student knows that systems exist in the world.
3.5A Observe and identify simple systems such as a sprouted seed and a wooden toy car.
3.5B Observe a simple system and describe the role of various parts such as a yo-yo and string.
3.11 The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials and objects in the sky.
3.11A Identify and describe the importance of earth materials including rocks, soil, water, and gases of the atmosphere in
the local area and classify them as renewable, nonrenewable, or inexhaustible resources.
3.11B Identify and record properties of soils such as color and texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the
growth of plants.
Process TEKS:
3.1 The student conducts field and laboratory investigations following home and school safety procedures and
environmentally appropriate and ethical practices.
3.1A Demonstrate safe practices during field and laboratory investigations.
3.2 The student uses scientific inquiry methods during field and laboratory investigations.
3.2A Plan and implement descriptive investigations including asking well-defined questions, formulating testable
hypotheses, and selecting and using equipment and technology.
3.2B Collect information by observing and measuring.
3.2C Analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct and indirect evidence.
3.2D Communicate valid conclusions.
3.2E Construct simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts to organize, examine and evaluate information.
3.3 . The student knows that information, critical thinking, and scientific problem solving are used in making decisions.
3.3C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations.
3.4 The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.
3.4A Collect and analyze information using tools including calculators, microscopes, cameras, safety goggles, sound
recorders, clocks, computers, thermometers, hand lenses, meter sticks, rulers, balances, magnets, and compasses.
3.4B Demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results.
GETTING READY FOR INSTRUCTION
Performance Indicator(s):
Students will compare a mystery sample of soil with a given sample. They will be asked to observe and
describe their mystery sample and compare its properties with the given sample. (3.11B)
ELPS: 1E, 2E, 2I, 3D, 3H, 4E, 5B, 5G
Classify an assortment of pictures depicting various natural resources as renewable, nonrenewable, or
inexhaustible. Summarize the importance of these materials by providing at least one example of how each is
used in the local area (Texas). (3.11A) [This performance Indicator will be performed in Lesson 6]
ELPS: 1E, 2E, 2I, 3D, 3H, 4E, 5B, 5G

2. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 2 of 29
Key Understandings and Guiding Questions:
Rocks, soil, water, and air represent natural resources.
— Which resource is the most important: rock, soil, water, or air?
All natural resources are renewable, nonrenewable, or inexhaustible.
— What is a natural resource?
— Why is it important to protect this natural resource?
The properties of matter (soil) determine their possible uses.
— What are some properties of soil?
— How do soils differ?
— How do the different properties of soil make it useful?
Vocabulary of Instruction:
weathering
soil
properties
texture
retain
Materials:
student journals
chart and markers or board
cookies that contain nuts
like Pecan Sandies
paper plates
small plastic jars or
containers with lids
water
paper towels
rich top soil or potting soil
measuring spoons
plastic spoons
sand
clay
tray (optional)
crayons
hand lenses
water misters
measuring cups
sticky notes
two liter or three liter bottles
rubber bands
coffee filters
cups (optional)
graduated cylinders
sponges
scissors
water droppers
calculators (optional)
Appropriate materials may be substituted as needed to incorporate district resources and availability.
Resources:
The following links provide photos of landslides, weathered rock formations, and river worn rocks.
http://landslides.usgs.gov/learning/photos/catalina_mountains__arizona_2006_event__u.s._/sabino_canyon
http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/joshuatree/html/a59.htm
http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/mtrainier/html2/mr916.htm
See link below for “The World‟s Apple” demonstration and activity sheet.
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/TX/factsheets/fact_apple.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/grades_k-3_groundwater_movement.html is a website for a lesson on
permeability and porosity.
http://www.sparta.k12.il.us/SID/plantunit/growthofbeanseed.htm is a site that provides a graphic and written
explanation of bean seed development.
The Magic School Bus Plants a Seed video is a resource.
http://www.globe.gov/fsl/html/templ.cgi?EG_soil&lang=en&nav=0 is a website that will allow teachers to
download a soil module storybook. The “Scoop on Soils” storybook is a resource that will be used in the
Elaborate phase of this lesson.
STATE RESOURCES:
See TEXTEAMS: Systems, Grade 3 Vista: More Than Dirt for activities to supplement or substitute some
portions of this lesson.
Advance Preparation:
1. Make copies of the following handouts:
Transparency: Where Does My Lunch Come From? (1 per teacher)

3. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 3 of 29
Properties of Soil (1 per student)
Properties of Soil KEY (1 per teacher)
A Closer Look at Soils (1 per student)
Analogies (1 per student)
It’s Settled (1 per student or group)
Sponge Capacity (1 per student)
Sponge Capacity KEY (1 per teacher)
Soil’s Water Capacity (1 per student or group)
Soil’s Water Capacity KEY (1 per teacher)
GLOBE Elementary Resources (1 per teacher)
Evaluation (1 per student or group)
Evaluation KEY (1 per teacher)
2. Gather two liter and/or three liter bottles.
3. Download or bookmark photos of landslides, weathered rock and water-worn river rocks. See links in
Resource section.
4. Make a transparency of handout: Where does my lunch come from? or obtain a cafeteria tray with a typical
school lunch.
5. Copy the activity sheet for “The World‟s Apple” (see link in Resources) (1 per student or 1 for teacher demo)
6. Gather rich top soil or potting soil to use as loam. Loam can also be created.
7. Cut sponges into small squares for student investigation.
8. Create funnels from collected two or three liter bottles by cutting the tops off of the bottles. The bottom 2/3 of
the bottle will make a great collection cup. This funnel system can be used for many things. Keep the caps.
9. Students will be observing the four planters or pots of bean seeds that were planted at the beginning of the
unit. They will also be reflecting on the predictions recorded on the bar graph, “Which Earth Material Grows
the Healthiest Plant?”
10. Download “Scoop on Soil” (http://www.globe.gov/fsl/html/templ.cgi?EG_soil&lang=en&nav=0) and run copies
of the module or be prepared to share it using technology (LCD projector).
Background Information:
Most of the land on Earth is covered by soil. Where does soil come from? Is all soil the same? This lesson begins with a
brief introduction to the process of weathering. Students observe how the forces of wind, water, gravity, etc., break and
grind rock down into smaller and smaller particles. These smaller particles known as sand, silt, and clay become part of
another very important natural resource, the Earth‟s soil. By themselves, sand, silt, and clay are not soil. Soil is a mixture
of rock particles, organic matter called humus, water, and air.
Just like rocks, soils have different physical properties such as color, particle size, texture, odor, consistency, absorbency,
etc. Particle size relates to many important properties of soil. Sand particles are the coarsest particles found in soil. They
feel hard and scratchy and don‟t stick together or hold water well. Silt particles are smaller grains of sand that feel
smoother and softer. Clay particles are the smallest of all. Clay absorbs a lot of water and sticks together. Humus is a
unique property of soil. Humus contains the valuable nutrients needed for plants to grow. These valuable nutrients come
from decomposing plants and animals. Millions of tiny living things such as bacteria and fungi live in the soil and help to
turn dead plants and animals into this dark, soft, sticky substance known as humus. Living animals contribute to
properties of the soil. Earthworms, ants, and beetles make spaces in the soil as they burrow through it. These spaces are
filled with air and water which helps plants to grow. Most soils are a mixture of sand, silt, or clay, with varying amounts of
humus. Agronomists classify soils by the percent of each type of particle that occurs in a soil sample. The percentages of
sand, silt, and clay are important for farmer s and gardeners because plants require different conditions for optimal
growth. Too much sand can cause too much water to drain away from plant roots. A soil that is predominantly clay may
hold too much water and cause the roots to rot. Loam is a name given to a mixture of sand, silt, and clay with a high
percentage of humus.
Soil scientists can conduct tests to find out more about a soil sample. When a soil sample is mixed with water and allowed
to settle, the particle layers will separate based on particle size. The larger particles will settle on the bottom and the
smallest ones will be on top. Organic material will float. This test creates a “soil profile” and allows students to see how
much of each component is in the sample. Soils can also be tested for their capacity to retain water. In this lesson,
students conduct a fair test to determine the water retention properties of sand, clay, and loam.
The properties of soil determine their uses. Sand‟s water-draining properties make it perfect for playgrounds and
sandboxes. Clay‟s properties, on the other hand, make it perfect for pottery or moisture-absorbing kitty litter. Loam, rich

4. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 4 of 29
topsoil, or potting soil provides the nutrients for plant growth. Soil is the beginning of the food chain. Soil‟s capacity to
sustain life, both plant and animal, makes it one of our most valuable resources.
GETTING READY FOR INSTRUCTION SUPPLEMENTAL PLANNING DOCUMENT
Instructors are encouraged to supplement, and substitute resources, materials, and activities to differentiate instruction to address the needs of learners.
The Exemplar Lessons are one approach to teaching and reaching the Performance Indicators and Specificity in the Instructional Focus Document for
this unit. A Microsoft Word template for this planning document is located at www.cscope.us/sup_plan_temp.doc. If a supplement is created
electronically, users are encouraged to upload the document to their Lesson Plans as a Lesson Plan Resource in your district Curriculum Developer site
for future reference.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
Instructional Procedures Notes for Teacher
ENGAGE
NOTE: 1 Day = 50 minutes
Suggested time: Day 1
1. Distribute the following to each student or student group: cookies (some
kind that has pieces of nuts like Pecan Sandies), paper plates, and small
plastic jars or containers of water.
2. Explain to the students that the cookie, once again, represents a slab of
rocky earth material. Provide the following directions:
Drop the cookie onto the paper plate from chin level.
Ask:
What happened to the rock, chalk or cookie? It broke into pieces of
various sizes.
Pick up the plate of pieces. Rub two of the pieces together over the paper
plate.
Ask:
What did you see happening? The pieces are grinding down into
smaller pieces.
What happened to the original pieces? They got smaller and were
shaped differently.
Say:
Place all of the pieces into the plastic jar/container (teacher fills it 2/3
full of water). Put the lid on securely and shake the container to allow
the water to wash over the pieces.
After a few minutes, ask:
What did you observe in the jar? The cookie has worn down even
more. The water is cloudy or murky and not clear. Smaller pieces may
have broken off and settled to the bottom or be floating on top.
3. Show students pictures of: 1) a landslide or avalanche, 2) a weathered
rock formation, and 3) a rushing stream with smooth river rocks. Tell
students that the rocks in the pictures have been broken and worn down
into smaller and smaller pieces by several forces: gravity, wind, and water.
Ask (as you show each picture):
What force might have caused the rocks to fall down the cliff or
mountainside and break into smaller pieces? gravity
How did we model this with our cookie? We dropped it and it broke.
What force might have carved out this shape by wearing it down
with blowing sand? Wind
How did we model this with our cookie? We rubbed them together
wearing them down into smaller pieces and reshaping them.
What force might have tumbled these rocks until the edges were
broken down and smooth? rushing water
How did we model this with our cookie? We tumbled them in water
breaking them down further into smaller and smaller pieces.
MATERIALS:
cookies with nuts
paper plates
small plastic jars with lids
water
paper towels
Safety note:
Be careful of any food allergies that
your students might have. The cookies
are not to be eaten, but some people
are very allergic to nuts. Gloves might
be an option.
You might draw students‟ attention to
the fact that this piece of rock (cookie)
looks different than the piece of rock we
used for mining. Just like rocks, these
cookies have different ingredients or
minerals.
Landslides:
http://landslides.usgs.gov/learning/phot
os/catalina_mountains__arizona_2006_
event__u.s._/sabino_canyon
Weathered Rock Formations
http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/joshuatree/ht
ml/a59.htm
Smooth River Rocks
http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/mtrainier/htm
l2/mr916.htm

5. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 5 of 29
4. Explain to students that forces such as wind, water, and gravity break rock
down into smaller and smaller pieces. Humans do this as well. Remind
students about how they broke the cookie (rocks) while mining for
chocolate chips (coal deposits). Tell students that this process of breaking
rocks down into smaller and smaller pieces is called weathering. Over
millions of years, weathering (caused by forces such as wind, water, and
gravity) has changed the Earth‟s surface.
5. Have students examine the various sized particles from the cookie model.
Explain that as the Earth‟s rock materials are broken down into smaller and
smaller pieces, those pieces are given different names. Very large rocks
are sometimes called boulders. Smaller pieces may be called rocks. Rocks
then become pebbles, pebbles become gravel, and gravel is worn down
into even smaller particles called sand, silt, and clay. These smaller
particles (known as sand, silt, and clay) become part of another very
important natural resource, the Earth‟s soil.
6. Dispose of cookie material and clean up the area.
MISCONCEPTION:
Weathering and erosion are the same
thing.
EXPLORE/EXPLAIN Suggested time: Days 1 and 2
1. Distribute bags of rich topsoil called loam (or potting soil), spoons, paper
plates, and hand lenses to each group of students. Instruct them to use
their senses to observe the soil. Each student can put a spoonful of the soil
on their plate to examine and manipulate (this is a hands-on activity).
Challenge them to come up with several different observations using each
sense (except taste).
2. Have students share some of their observations as a class. If students
haven‟t provided general information about color, consistency, texture,
odor, or sound when rubbed on the plate, prompt them to examine those
properties more closely.
Ask:
Did you have any surprises? Students should notice that there are
other things in the soil besides particles of rock such as remains of
plants and/or animals.
Why might there be remains or parts of plants in the soil?
Answers may vary
What animals might be living in the soil? Answers may vary
What would happen if there weren’t any soil? Accept all answers.
3. (Optional) Show a picture of a cafeteria tray with a typical school lunch (or
have a real example on a cafeteria tray for display in front of the room).
Safety note:
Caution students to not put the soil or
their soiled fingers in their mouths or
eyes.
Refer to the rich top soil or potting soil
as loam. While potting soil does not
meet all the specific requirements for
loam, it would give the students too
many context clues to refer to it as
“potting soil”.
MATERIALS:
rich top soil or potting soil called
loam
spoons
paper plates
container with lid
measuring spoon
crayons
water
hand lens
paper towels
sand
clay
water misters
Transparency: Where Does My
Lunch Come From? (1 per
teacher)

6. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 6 of 29
See the handout: Where does my lunch come from? for a clipart picture.
After identifying each item on the tray, have students discuss with their
partner where each item comes from.
Ask:
How are the items on the tray connected to the soil? Answers may
vary.
Let students share their ideas with the class (guiding the discussion as
needed).
How are we connected to the soil? Answers may vary.
If necessary, draw a diagram on the board or chart tracing our dependency
on the soil for the things we eat. (Humans eat beef, eggs, and other meat,
which comes from animals like cows, and chickens. The animals eat grains
like corn, sorghum, and hay which all grow in the soil. Humans also eat
apples, tomatoes, lettuce, and french fries which come from the fruit,
leaves, and roots of plants. The plants grow in the soil.)
4. (Optional) Illustrate how a very small amount of our land is available for
growing plants to supply the world‟s food by either showing or
demonstrating “The World‟s Apple” activity. See “The World‟s Apple”
activity sheet for a picture of this demonstration.
5. Remind students about the earlier activity in which you planted bean seeds
in 4 different earth materials. Refer to the bar graph with the students‟
predictions.
Ask:
What must the soil provide for plants to be able to grow and
function? Students should indicate that plants need water, food, air,
sunlight, and space.
Do you think any of these 4 earth materials is too rocky to
support the growth of plants? Students should indicate or reiterate
that the gravel is too rocky.
Do you they think that all soil is the same? Answers may vary
6. Let‟s look at some different soils: loam (potting soil), sand, and clay.
7. Distribute bags of sand and clay, and two more paper plates, to each
group of students. Students should still have spoons and hand lenses from
their previous work with loam (potting soil). Each student can put a
spoonful of the sand and clay onto two separate plates to examine,
manipulate, and compare. Challenge them to come up with several
different observations using each sense (except taste).
8. Allow students time to observe the physical properties of their samples and
record their findings (including their observations from the previous loam
exploration) in a three-column T-chart in their journal. The handout:
Properties of Soil can be used as a guide.
9. After students have explored and recorded their observations, ask:
Do the samples look the same? Answers may vary, but samples
should appear different.
What other tools or activities could you use to study the soils
more closely? Answers may vary, but students might suggest using
microscopes or hand-held microscopes, adding water, performing
other fair tests, etc.
10. Distribute the handout: A Closer Look at Soils to the students.
Say:
Using tools of science including our senses, a hand lens (or
Handout: Properties of Soil (1 per
student)
Handout: Properties of Soil KEY 1
per teacher)
Handout: A Closer Look at Soils (1
per student)
Handout: Analogies (1 per student)
Handout: It’s Settled (1 per student
or group)
See link below for “The World‟s Apple”
demonstration and activity sheet.
ftp://ftp-
fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/TX/factsheets/fact_
apple.pdf
This would be an appropriate time to
conclude the day‟s activities. Bag
students‟ soil samples, plates, spoons,
and hand lenses for easy retrieval.
Resume Day 2 activities tomorrow.

7. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 7 of 29
microscope), a water mister, and this handout, we are going to further
explore the three samples.
Observe the color of the samples of soil and indicate your observation
in the first row of the table.
Using your hand lens, look closely at the different soils. Record your
observations.
After rubbing the soils between your thumb and index finger, record
what you feel.
Tell students that after observing the soil while it is dry, they can add
water to learn more about its texture, color, shape and flexibility, etc.
Mist your samples with the water mister. How do the samples behave?
Put the moist samples in your hand. Roll the moist samples with your
fingers. Record your findings in the chart.
Last of all, using your sense of smell, waft or wave the air above the
moist samples toward your nose. If a scent is detected, record that
information or data into the chart as well.
11. Allow students to share their findings with the class.
12. (Optional) If time permits, let students complete the handout: Analogies to
further explore loam, sand, and clay.
13. While students still have the bagged soil samples and moistened spoonfuls
of different soils, share with students the first 4 directions for the next
activity from the handout: It’s Settled. It is not necessary to distribute the
handout at this time.
14. Provide the containers, water, and measurement tools as listed on the
handout: It’s Settled.
15. Student groups should place their “settling” containers in an area that will
remain undisturbed until the next day. This would be a good time to
conclude the day‟s activities since the results of this test will not be
observable right away.
If your students need help creating a
chart, one has been provided for your
students in the Handout: Properties of
Soils.
Continue to keep students in small
student groups. Encourage all students
to record their data. Pictures and words
are acceptable.
Handout: A Closer Look at Soils
Grades 3-5:
Students should know that one way to
make sense of something is to think
how it is like something more familiar.
Benchmarks for Science Literacy
Handout: Analogies
A Teacher Key is not included for
Analogies because the analogies will
all vary based on the students‟
perceptions.
Handout: It’s Settled
EXPLORE/EXPLAIN Suggested time: Day 3
1. To further investigate soils, let‟s examine how the soils settled in water.
Distribute the handout: It’s Settled.
Ask:
What did you see after the soils settled? Answers may vary but lead
Students should continue to work in
groups.

8. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 8 of 29
students to state that they saw layers and there were things, organic
material, humus, floating on the top.
Which soil was on bottom? Sand should be on the bottom.
Which soil was on top? Floaters came from the loam.
Which soil settled on top of the sand? Clay settles on top of the
sand.
Why do you think the soils settled in this order? Answers may vary
but lead students to understand that soils have different properties.
Some soil particles are larger than others. The larger grains of soil will
settle faster due to the pull of gravity. The lighter material will float on
top of the water because it is less dense than water.
How would the results of this test look if most of your soil sample
was composed of sand? Can you make a sketch of your
prediction? The bottom layer would be larger.
Can a settling test be used to help identify the composition of an
unknown soil sample? Yes
2. Let‟s see what other tests we can do to learn more about the properties of
soil. Show students a sponge.
Ask:
What is this object called? A sponge
What are some of its uses? Answers may vary, but lead students to
an answer that introduces the fact that sponges can hold water.
Allow students to examine a small piece of sponge with a hand lens.
What property of sponges makes them able to absorb and hold or
retain water? They have holes. They are not solid.
How many water droplets do you think your sponge can hold or
retain? Answers may vary. Have students share their predictions and
write them down in their journals.
How could you test to see how many water droplets your sponge
can hold or retain? Answers may vary, but help students design a
procedure to drop water droplets until the sponge cannot hold any
more water.
3. Use the handout: Sponge Capacity to guide the students in their
predictions, investigation, and conclusions. Tell students that they will have
an opportunity to apply what they have learned about sponges to soils.
Ask:
Have you ever made a mud pie?
What makes a good mud pie? Accept all answers. Lead students to
share that mud pies take soil and water.
Do you think the type of soil used in the mud pie would make a
difference? Accept all answers.
Using our past investigations to guide you, which soil – loam,
sand, clay, or a mixture of the three – would make the best mud
pie? Accept all answers. Have the students record their predictions on
a sticky note. Using the sticky notes, create a class bar graph to
indicate their thoughts at this time.
4. After the students have placed their prediction on the class bar graph, go
over their thoughts. For example, most of you think that _______ will be
the best for making mud pies. Encourage students to share rationale for
their choices.
Ask:
What do you think we will learn about each type of soil by making
mud pies? Answers may vary, but lead students to look at how each
type of soil holds water.
How might we test a soil’s ability to hold or retain water (like a
MATERIALS:
tray (optional)
container with lid
sand
loam
clay
measuring cup
water
hand lens
Handout: It’s Settled (1 per student
or group)
MATERIALS:
sponge
hand lens
sticky notes
scissors
water
water droppers
container to hold water
Handout: Sponge Capacity (1 per
student)
Handout: Sponge Capacity KEY (1
per teacher)
(cut sponge into small sections)
“Retain” is a new science word for this
unit. Make sure the students take the
time to understand this new word and
how it relates to soils. English
Language Learners may identify with
the word retain, but from a different
perspective.
Handout: Sponge Capacity
Sample Mud Pie
Graph

9. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 9 of 29
sponge)? Accept all answers.
5. Distribute the handout: Soil’s Water Capacity and materials to each group
of students. After the test, allow students to share their findings with the
class. Students should begin to wonder about why some soils hold more
water than others. Review the properties of the soils with the students.
Help them connect the size of the particles to how the soil behaves. Let‟s
look back at our original predictions.
Ask:
Were we correct? Answers may vary based on original responses.
6. (Optional) A student activity that shows why water travels through some
types of soils better than others can be found at the following website:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/grades_k-3_groundwater_movement.html
MATERIALS:
sand
loam
clay
three or two liter bottles
coffee filters or cheesecloth
cups or bottoms of cut liter bottles
water
calculators (optional)
graduated cylinder
measuring cup
rubber bands
Handout: Soil’s Water Capacity (1
per student or group)
Handout: Soil’s Water Capacity
KEY (1 per teacher)
www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/grades_k-
3_groundwater_movement.html is a site
for a kinesthetic extension to this
lesson. Also, a permeability race is
outlined in the “extension” portion of the
activity.
ELABORATE Suggested time: Day 4
1. Ask:
Based on what you have learned, are all soils the same? Soils
have unique properties.
Why are soils important, and how are they used? Answers may
vary. Soil is used for a variety of things. Soil is used for plant growth.
Sand is used in playgrounds. Sand is also used in cement. Clay is a
component of many ceramic pots. Clay is used in kitty litter.
Now that you have studied different properties of soil, do you
think that plants grow equally well in all kinds of soil? Answers
may vary.
2. We know that plants depend on several things for survival.
Ask:
What does a plant need to survive? Answers may vary but plants
need air, water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. Students may also say
soil, which holds air, water, and nutrients.
How do plants get their water? Water is absorbed in the roots.
Where does a plant get its air? A plant breathes or respires through
its leaves, stem, flowers, and roots.
Can plants get too much water? Yes. If a plant gets too much water,
it will rot and die.
MATERIALS:
Handout: GLOBE Elementary
Resources (1 per teacher)
Expected Results:
The plants planted in the loam should
be growing the best. The clay should
have placed the seeds in an
environment that was too wet. The sand
and gravel should have placed a seed
in an environment that allowed water to
flow too easily.

10. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 10 of 29
Can plants get too little water? Yes. If a plant gets too little water, it
will wilt and die.
3. Explain to the students that they should concentrate their study of plants
on how they interact with the soils. Remind them of the four pots of beans
that they planted at the beginning of the unit. Tell them they need to look at
the plants again and use what they have learned about soils to help
explain the results.
4. Display the planters, the bar graph, “Which Earth Material Grows the
Healthiest Plant?” and the chart which describes characteristics of a
healthy plant.
Ask:
Based on the graph, which earth material did we predict would
support the growth of our bean plants the best? See graph
Which plants seem to be the healthiest? The ones in loam.
What action does a bean seed do when it is planted? The bean
seed sends out a root and begins to grow a shoot toward the light.
Does the root need anything from the soil? The root needs air,
water, and nutrients.
Does it matter how much of these key ingredients the root
receives? Yes, conditions need to be “just right” for healthy bean
growth.
Do differences in the properties of the soil affect plant growth?
Yes
Are plants the same all over Texas? No, plants change from region
to region.
What plants grow in our local area? Answers may vary.
Is soil one of the factors that determine what plants survive in an
area? Yes
5. Conclude this lesson by reading together the GLOBE literature connection,
“Scoop on Soil.” See link in teacher notes and screenshot of website in the
handout: Globe Elementary Resources.
Ask:
In the natural world, do soils all look the same? No
How did the kids from Pinewood Elementary represent the
different soils exposed in the holes that Scoop dug? They
recorded their observations using a table with pictures in their journals.
What treasures did the kids find? Answers may vary.
What leaves behind treasures in soil? Answers may vary but plants
and animals, including humans, can leave behind treasures in soil.
Do animals interact with the soil? Yes
How do animals interact with the soil? Animals enrich the soil in
many ways. Some animals leave their wastes in the soil; some animals
dig in the soil; some animals live in the soil.
What animals around here (in our local area) use the soil for their
home? Answers may vary
6. This would be an appropriate time to add the words: weathering, soil,
texture, and retain to student journals and the word wall.
Because there are so many variables
that could be different from classroom
to classroom, individual results will vary.
If the bean seeds in the clay are not
responding, you might have the
students use their senses (not taste) to
observe the bean seeds. Seeds that rot
will have several observable
characteristics.
If the bean seeds have not germinated
sufficiently, move this section of the
lesson to later in the unit.
The following is a non-interactive
explanation of bean seed development:
http://www.sparta.k12.il.us/SID/plantunit
/growthofbeanseed.htm.
http://www.globe.gov/fsl/html/templ.cgi?
EG_soil&lang=en&nav=0 is a website
that will take teachers to a soil module
storybook. This module called “Scoop
on Soil” is a literature connection that
will allow students to further investigate
different soils and their treasures.
If time permits, allow students to
research and investigate local animals
that are closely associated with soil –
worms, prairie dogs, gophers, etc.
EVALUATE Suggested time: Day 5
Using their experiences from the past few days, students are going to explore
a “mystery” soil sample. Students are expected to use their notes from
previous soil observations and tests to help them identify the properties of this
“mystery” soil. Students need to record their observations on the handout:
A mystery soil sample can be created
by mixing different amounts of sand,
clay, and loam together or by bringing in
some local topsoil for testing.

11. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 11 of 29
Evaluation. Evaluate with the handout: Evaluation KEY.
MATERIALS:
crayons
Handout: Evaluation (1 per student
or group)
Handout: Evaluation KEY (1 per
teacher)

12. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 12 of 29
Properties of Soils KEY
Record your observations of soils in the chart.
Loam Sand Clay
Answers may vary.
Twigs
Dark
Light-fluffy
Smells earthy
Answers may vary.
Looks like tiny
crystals
Light in color
Grainy
Easy to see
Rough texture
Answers may vary.
Red (or gray)
Clumpy
Grains are not easy to
see
Smooth

13. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 13 of 29
Properties of Soils
Record your observations of soils in the chart.
Loam Sand Clay

14. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 14 of 29
A Closer Look at Soils
Properties My
Observations of
Loam
My
Observations of
Sand
My
Observations of
Clay
Using a crayon,
color the color
that best
represents your
soil sample.
Draw what you
see when you
observe the soil
with a hand
lens.
Describe how
your soil feels
when you rub it
in between your
fingers.
Describe your
observations
after misting the
soil with water.
Using your
sense of smell,
describe the
scent of your
sample.

15. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 15 of 29
It’s Settled
Materials:
Procedure:
1. Using your soil samples, measure equal amounts of each soil and place in the
container.
2. Add water until the container is ¾ full. Place the lid on the container.
3. Be sure the lid is secure.
4. Shake well and allow soil time to settle.
5. Draw and label your observations in the space below. A hand lens would be
helpful.
Sand
ClayLoam
Measuring
Spoon
Container
Water

16. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 16 of 29
Sponge Capacity KEY
Materials:
Answers may vary.
Prediction:
I think my piece of sponge will hold ________ drops of water.
Procedure:
1. Place a piece of sponge between thumb and forefinger.
2. Fill the dropper with water.
3. Count as you drop water on the sponge. Drop slowly.
4. Have a recorder keep up with the number of drops.
5. Keep adding drops until the sponge cannot hold any more drops and
water falls out the bottom of the sponge.
6. Record the number of water droplets your sponge held.
7. Clean up any spills with paper towels.
Results:
My piece of sponge held _______ drops of water. This was <, >, or = to
my prediction.
Conclusions:
My sponge held water because of its open spaces.
Small piece of
sponge
Dropper Water Paper Towels

17. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 17 of 29
Sponge Capacity
Materials:
Prediction:
I think my piece of sponge will hold ________ drops of water.
Procedure:
1. Place a piece of sponge between thumb and forefinger.
2. Fill the dropper with water.
3. Count as you drop water on the sponge. Drop slowly.
4. Have a recorder keep up with the number of drops.
5. Keep adding drops until the sponge cannot hold any more drops and
water falls out the bottom of the sponge.
6. Record the number of water droplets your sponge held.
7. Clean up any spills with paper towels.
Results:
My piece of sponge held _______ drops of water. This was <, >, or = to
my prediction.
Conclusions:
My sponge held water because _________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Small piece of
sponge
Dropper Water Paper Towels

18. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 18 of 29
Soil’s Water Capacity KEY (pp. 1 of 2)
Materials:
Procedure:
1. Take the caps off the funnels and set aside.
2. With rubber bands, secure a small piece of filter over the opening of each funnel.
3. Recap the funnels.
4. Place equal amounts of each type of soil into three funnels and rest the funnels in a cup or
bottle base. (Recommended amount of soil: 250 mL or 1 cup)
5. Measure about 200 milliliters of water using a graduated cylinder.
6. Carefully pour the water into the top of the funnel.
7. Allow the funnel system to work for 5-10 minutes or long enough to allow the earth
materials to become saturated.
8. Observe your system and record your observations.
9. At your teacher‟s signal, lift funnels carefully above the cups. Unscrew the caps and allow
the water to leave the system.
10.After the water drains, recap the funnels.
11.Measure the amount of water that traveled through the soil by pouring your cup of drained
water into a graduated cylinder. Record your results in the table on the next page.
12.(Optional) Use calculators to find the amount of water actually retained by each type of soil.
___ mL (the original amount poured into each funnel - ___ mL (the amount drained into
each cup = ___ mL (the actual amount of water retained by each type of soil).
Funnels Cups
Coffee filters Rubber
bands Graduated Cylinder

19. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 19 of 29
Soil’s Water Capacity KEY (pp. 2 of 2)
Sand Loam Clay
Water in Cup (mL) Water in Cup (mL) Water in Cup (mL)
Answers may vary, but expected
results are that sand will have the
MOST water in the drainage cup
because it retains the LEAST water
in the soil.
Loam which is a mixture of sand,
clay, silt, and organic material
should have results that fall in
between sand and clay.
Answers may vary but expected
results are that clay will have the
LEAST water in the drainage cup
because it retains the MOST water
in the soil.
Questions:
1. Which soil retained the most water (allowed the least amount of water to flow into the
cup)? The clay soil retained the most water.
2. Which soil retained the least amount of water (allowed the most water to flow into the
cup)? The sand soil retained the least amount of water.
3. Arrange the soils from least to greatest based on their ability to retain (hold) water.
Least Greatest
Sand Loam Clay
4. Which type of soil acted the most like a sponge? Students may look at this sponge analogy
from two different perspectives. The clay acts like a sponge because it absorbs and holds
water. The sand acts like a sponge that has been squeezed - it releases the water.
Use the results from your tests to make the following predictions.
5. Which type of soil do you think would make the best mud pie? Answers may vary. The
point here is to try to get the students to apply what they have learned. A mud pie made of
clay would be the best.
6. If you were going to create a recipe for a mud pie, what ingredients would you use? How
much of each ingredient would you use?
My Recipe: (Use the back of the paper if you need more space.)
Answers may vary.
CSCOPE Mud Pie:
2 cups clay
350 mL water
Put clay and water in a sealable baggie. Add the water. Close the bag. Mix the three
ingredients. Form into a fat, round pie.

20. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 20 of 29
Soil’s Water Capacity (pp. 1 of 2)
Materials:
Procedure:
1. Take the caps off the funnels and set aside.
2. With rubber bands, secure a small piece of filter over the opening of each funnel.
3. Recap the funnels.
4. Place equal amounts of each type of soil into three funnels and rest the funnels in a cup or
bottle base. (Recommended amount of soil: 250 mL or 1 cup)
5. Measure about 200 milliliters of water using a graduated cylinder.
6. Carefully pour the water into the top of the funnel.
7. Allow the funnel system to work for 5-10 minutes or long enough to allow the earth
materials to become saturated.
8. Observe your system and record your observations.
9. At your teacher‟s signal, lift funnels carefully above the cups. Unscrew the caps and allow
the water to leave the system.
10.After the water drains, recap the funnels.
11.Measure the amount of water that traveled through the soil by pouring your cup of drained
water into a graduated cylinder. Record your results in the table on the next page.
12.(Optional) Use calculators to find the amount of water actually retained by each type of soil.
___ mL (the original amount poured into each funnel - ___ mL (the amount drained into
each cup = ___ mL (the actual amount of water retained by each type of soil).
Funnels Cups
Coffee filters Rubber
bands Graduated Cylinder

21. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 21 of 29
Soil’s Water Capacity (pp. 2 of 2)
Sand Loam Clay
Water in Cup (mL) Water in Cup (mL) Water in Cup (mL)
Questions:
7. Which soil retained the most water (allowed the least amount of water to flow into the
cup)?
8. Which soil retained the least amount of water (allowed the most water to flow into the
cup)?
9. Arrange the soils from least to greatest based on their ability to retain (hold) water.
Least Greatest
10.Which type of soil acted the most like a sponge?
Use the results from your tests to make the following predictions.
11.Which type of soil do you think would make the best mud pie?
12.If you were going to create a recipe for a mud pie, what ingredients would you use? How
much of each ingredient would you use?
My Recipe: (Use the back of the paper if you need more space.)

22. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 22 of 29
Evaluation KEY (pp. 1 of 2)
Answers may vary based on the mystery sample that the teacher chooses.
Materials: Mystery sample
Journal of soil learning experiences
Various tools (hand lens, settling chambers, water retention funnels, etc.)
Observe the mystery soil sample. Record your observations on soil property
chart below.
Property My
Observations
Property My
Observations
1. Using a
crayon, color
the color that
best represents
your mystery
soil sample.
4. Describe your
observations
after misting the
mystery soil
with water.
2. Draw what
you see when
you observe
your mystery
soil with a hand
lens.
5. Using your
sense of smell,
describe the
scent of your
mystery soil
sample.
3. Describe how
your mystery
soil feels when
you rub it in
between your
fingers.
Other
observations
Settling Test:
Drawing after settling test: What information did you learn from the
settling test?

23. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 23 of 29
Evaluation KEY (pp. 2 of 2)
Water Retention Test
Remember the
water retention
test?
Set up a similar
test to explore
your mystery
sample.
How much water drained
into the cup?
_____________________
Did your sample retain
water more like sand,
clay, or loam?
If time allows, grow a bean seed in your mystery sample. If time will not allow
you to grow a bean seed, use your past observations and the properties of your
mystery soil sample to determine if your mystery sample would grow a healthy
plant.
Answers may vary.
_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

24. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 24 of 29
Evaluation (pp. 1 of 2)
Materials: Mystery sample
Journal of soil learning experiences
Various tools (hand lens, settling chambers, water retention funnels, etc)
Observe the mystery soil sample. Record your observations on the soil property
chart below.
Property My
Observations
Property My
Observations
1. Using a
crayon, color
the color that
best represents
your mystery
soil sample.
4. Describe your
observations
after misting the
mystery soil
with water.
2. Draw what
you see when
you observe
your mystery
soil with a hand
lens.
5. Using your
sense of smell,
describe the
scent of your
mystery soil
sample.
3. Describe how
your mystery
soil feels when
you rub it in
between your
fingers.
Other
observations
Settling Test:
Drawing after settling test: What information did you learn from the
settling test?

25. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 25 of 29
Evaluation (pp. 2 of 2)
Water Retention Test
Remember the
water retention
test?
Set up a similar
test to explore
your mystery
sample.
How much water drained
into the cup?
_____________________
Did your sample retain
water more like sand,
clay, or loam?
If time allows, grow a bean seed in your mystery sample. If time will not allow
you to grow a bean seed, use your past observations and the properties of your
mystery soil sample to determine if your mystery sample would grow a healthy
plant.
_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

26. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 26 of 29
Analogies
Complete the analogy sentences to represent potting soil, sand, and clay. Analogies compare one object to another familiar object. An
example has been done for you.
Sand is like grits, thousands of tiny, rough rocks, etc.
Clay is like __________________________________.
Loam is like __________________________________.
Wet Loam is like __________________________________.
Wet Sand is like __________________________________.
Wet Clay is like __________________________________.
Wet Sand smells like __________________________________.
Wet Clay smells like __________________________________.
Wet Loam smells like __________________________________.

27. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 27 of 29
Where Does My Lunch Come From?

28. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 28 of 29
GLOBE Elementary Resources
The website looks like the following:
„

29. 3rd
Grade
Science
Unit: 05 Lesson: 03
© 2009, TESCCC 08/01/09 page 29 of 29
BIBLOGRAPHY
Benchmarks for Science Literacy American Association for Advancement of Science (November 25,
1993) Oxford University Press, Inc.
American Association for Advancement of Science. (1993, November 25). Benchmarks for Science
Literacy. Oxford University Press, Inc.