The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.

Particles are very minute parts of a material or substance.

The texture of an object or material is the way it feels to the touch.

A digital microscope shows magnified images of objects on a screen.

Loam is high-quality soil that is a mixture of clay, sand, silt and decaying plant material.

Different types of soils (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

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

Different types of soil have different sized particles, textures and colours which we call their {{}}.

Tick the statements that explain why different soils have different properties.

Which of these pieces of equipment would help you compare the properties of different soil samples more closely? 

Which of these describe properties of soil? 

Knowing {{}} type can help you choose the right plants for your garden and keep them healthy.

is not sticky and cannot be rolled into a ball.

is sticky but breaks apart easily when rolled into a ball. 

is not sticky but it can be rolled into a ball. 

Match the name of the soil to its correct description to complete the sentences.

Soil is made from which of these things? 

Look at the image of soil and water in a jar. Order the layers from what would settle at the top of jar to the bottom.

How long does it take new soil to be made in the ground? 

it provides a home for many animals to live

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz