Rocks and Soils

Rocks and Soils

 
KS1 &2 Science based farm visits.

Working in partnership with Alvis Brothers and Farmlink the Industrial Trust, the National leader in the provision of out of classroom curriculum linked activities, can arrange and subject to conditions potentially fund your next STEM based visit.
Rocks and Soils
Science Key Stage 1: Sc1. 1; 2a,b,c,e,f,h. Sc2.1a; 3a; 5a,b,c. Sc3. 1a,b,c.
Science Key Stage 2: Sc1. 1a,b,d; 2a,b,c,e,f,j,l. Sc2. 1c; 3a,c. Sc3. 2b,c,f; 3a,b.
Objectives: To understand that soil is made partly of eroded rock. Soils are very variable & essential for plant growth & health. They take many years to form & need to be looked after or else they will be damaged. Soils sustain plants, the bases of our food chains. Farmers depend on them for food production.
Methodology: A tactile look at soils from feeling texture to digging a soil pit & testing acidity & porosity. The different soil components (5) are discussed including the importance of soil fauna, air & water.
Key Words: Rock, erosion, clay, loam depth, acidity, fertility, top soil, sub soil, humus, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, fauna, horizons, profile.
Skills & Concepts: The 5 components of soil, analysing soil samples, classifying soils, recording measurements, double checking results, explaining results, working in a group & sharing tasks.
Lesson Plan Classroom activity. Resources:
Activity
  1. Arrive, welcome, Health & Safety.
  2. Look at different rock types(3) Discuss how they were made
  3. In groups of 4 feel 3 soil samples & decide the texture of each.
  4. Groups test & record aspects of soil throughout the day.
  5. Break
  6. Look at the soil pit. Describe & discuss. Measure & record depth of the different horizons (layers)
  7. Lunch (venue dependent on weather)
  8. Play time activities supervised by teachers
  9. Find out what else is in the soil & what could be added to it & why.
  10. Trailer ride to woods to measure depth of soil on a slope.
  11. Discuss findings & how plants are affected by the soil.
  12. Coach leaves.
  • soil samples
  • disposable gloves
  • soil testing kit
  • spade/auger
  • soil pit
  • soil thermometer
  • sieve
  • tractor & trailer
  • metre rules
Cross Curriculum Linkages delivered by the above activities:
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Maths
  • English
  • PSHE
  • Technology
  • Other lessons

  Supported by The Ernest Cook Trust