What soils are made from
I can explain what soil is and what soils are made from.
What soils are made from
I can explain what soil is and what soils are made from.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. The creation of soils occurs over many, many years.
- We can make predictions to share our scientific ideas about what we think will happen or how something might work.
- Scientists make careful observations to answer questions.
- Soils are a combination of different things, including rock, organic matter and air.
Keywords
Soil - Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land on Earth.
Prediction - A prediction is a statement saying what you think will happen.
Observation - We make an observation when we look closely at something and use other senses too.
Silt - Silt is made from broken grains of rock, with particles larger than clay but smaller than sand.
Organic matter - Organic matter comes from plants and animals that are alive or were once alive.
Common misconception
Children may think that soil is any dirt on the ground, or that soil was created when Earth was created. They may also think that plants make soil.
The activity to separate layers of soil in water allows children to make their own observations of what soil is made from.
Equipment
Sample of soil, clear jar, water, tablespoon - see additional materials for further guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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