If a material or substance is permeable it will allow liquids and gases to pass through it.

A plan is a method that maps out the steps that will be taken during an investigation.

In a comparative test, the thing that is being changed has labels, such as the types of materials.

A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.

Soil permeability: plan (non-statutory)

Science

In this Rocks and soil unit, pupils learn to describe in simple terms how fossils are formed. In the Evolution and inheritance unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise that things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.

In the Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and compare the suitability of materials, including rock. In this Rocks and soils unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties.

This unit covers comparing and grouping rocks based on appearance and physical properties, understanding fossil formation, and recognising that soils are made from rocks and organic matter. It involves setting up practical enquiries, making observations, and using evidence to answer questions.

Rocks and soils

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Scientists ask {{}} about which type of soil is best for different purposes.

Soil scientists investigate soils so that they can help with which of these things? 

it doesn't let the water flow through it quickly

the rain makes big puddles on the surface of the soil

If a soil is permeable, what happens when it rains? 

Water moves very easily through permeable soils and very {{}} through soils with low permeability.

Which two of the choices below would be included in a good plan in a scientist's investigation. The plan will include...

In a comparative test investigation, {{}} must be controlled, so that only the one being tested is changed.

Which of these materials are soils made from? 

Soils have different textures, colours and particle sizes. We call these their ...

Different factories make different types of soils. 

Different rocks are weathered and eroded to produce different types of soils. 

Different man-made materials make up soils.

Soils have different types of sediment and organic material in them.

Different parts of the country have different types of rock in the soil.

Which of these are the reasons why there are different types of soil? 

Which of these things could a soil scientist use to look more closely at the properties of different soil samples? 

a fine texture with particles larger than clay but smaller than sand

Match the type of soil to its description. 

 When handling soils you should always wear {{}}. 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet