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STC Unit Descriptions
Soils
ISBN 0-89278-984-0
Subject: Components and properties of soil
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Materials
included in the Soils unit kit.
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In this unit, students investigate the chief
components of soil—sand, clay, and humus—and explore the relationship
between soil and plant growth. Early in the unit, they create their own compost
bags. This activity enables them to observe the decomposition of organic
materials over time. Students observe and read about earthworms to learn about
their connection to plant roots and soil. The students also conduct tests that
enable them to observe and compare such properties of soil as odor, appearance,
and texture. Phenomena such as settling, water content, and soil consistency are
also explored. These observations are then related to plant growth, as students
plant cucumber seeds in a clear plastic tube. By observing root growth, students
learn about the role of roots in keeping the plant anchored and upright. In a
final activity, students apply what they have learned to investigate a sample of
local garden soil.
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