Soil
Science Benchmark
Earth materials include rocks, soils, water, and gases. Earth materials change over time from one form to another. These changes require energy. Through erosion and weathering, rocks are broken in to smaller and smaller pieces that eventually become the major component of soil. Organic matter, water and air are also earth materials that are components of soil. Soil contains many living organisms. Plants generally get water and minerals from soil.
Online Resources
Earth materials include rocks, soils, water, and gases. Earth materials change over time from one form to another. These changes require energy. Through erosion and weathering, rocks are broken in to smaller and smaller pieces that eventually become the major component of soil. Organic matter, water and air are also earth materials that are components of soil. Soil contains many living organisms. Plants generally get water and minerals from soil.
Online Resources
- Soil Safari - Get the real dirt on soil in an EarthShip that dives down into the topsoil.
- The Apple as Planet
- Earth - Watch this stunning video clip about soil. Planet Earth is related to an apple to show students a model of the topsoil that we depend
- upon. You'll never think about dirt the same way again after this clip!
- Soil Texture - This animation shows what kinds of soils are created from different silt, sand, and clay content levels.
- Percolation
- Infiltration and the Water Table
- Dig It! The Secrets of Soil