lesson
Soil is a mixture
1 · Learn
Soil includes pieces of rock and material from living things, such as decayed leaves. It also contains air and water in spaces between particles.
Different soils have different mixtures and particle sizes. Soil can support living things and plant growth. It is not simply powdered rock, and it is not a plant's ready-made food.
2 · Worked example
I compare two adult-prepared soil photographs. One looks sandy; another shows more dark organic material. I describe evidence rather than guessing that all dark soil is identical.
3 · Your turn
Name two things in soil other than rock particles.
Check your answer
Examples include decayed plant material, water and air; living organisms can also be present.
4 · Apply your learning
With an adult, observe sealed clear containers of different safe soils. Draw the differences without opening or tasting them.
Adult guidance and safety
Use prepared samples rather than soil contaminated by animals or chemicals. Wash hands after practical work.
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My observation notebook
With an adult, look at a safe real example or a checked photograph. Name the example and say which you used. Record what you actually notice. Do not taste plants or materials, approach unknown animals or invent missing observations.
Ask your teacher for support with the method and recording. A prediction is what you think might happen; an observation is what you actually see, hear or feel safely.
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