Different types of soils (non-statutory)
I can identify similarities and differences between different types of soil.
Different types of soils (non-statutory)
I can identify similarities and differences between different types of soil.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Different types of soils have different properties.
- How and where soils are formed will affect their properties, such as colour and size of particles.
- Soils can be compared using observation skills, with a hand lens or a microscope.
- Common types of soils, based on their texture, are sandy, silt, clay and loam.
- Knowing soil type can help you choose the right plants for your garden and keep them healthy.
Common misconception
All soils are the same, they are just earth.
Through exploring different soil types and their properties with the digital microscope, children will realise that soils differ depending on where and how they are formed.
Keywords
Properties - The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
Particles - Particles are very minute parts of a material or substance.
Texture - The texture of an object or material is the way it feels to the touch.
Digital microscope - A digital microscope shows magnified images of objects on a screen.
Loam - Loam is high-quality soil that is a mixture of clay, sand, silt and decaying plant material.
Equipment
Different soil samples, hand lenses and digital microscope if possible.
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
is not sticky and cannot be rolled into a ball.
is sticky and can 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.