Transcript Not All Dirt is the Same

Not All Dirt is the Same
GPS S3E1
c. Use observation to compare the
similarities and differences of texture,
particle size, and color in top soils
(such as clay, loam or potting soil, and
sand).
Mrs. Martin’s Science Class
What is topsoil?
• Top soil is the top layer of soil: the upper
fertile layer of soil, from which plant roots
take nutrients.
We will go outside to answer…
• What’s in top soil? Bring a clipboard, a sticky
note, and a pencil to record what you will find.
Post your sticky note on the white board.
What will I make if I beat
this rock into very small
pieces?
Soil is mostly made up of
__________________.
Before we perform the activity, let’s
talk about important/key words!
• Texture – It’s how a surface feels. The size
or sizes of the particles will determine the
texture the surface.
• Big particles or grains = rough
• Very tiny particles or grains = smooth
Before we perform the activity, let’s
talk about important/key vocabulary!
• COLOR in top soils: We learned that different
minerals have different colors. We also discovered
that soils mostly come from broken down rocks. If
rocks have minerals, soils also have _________.
• Soil with reddish color usually has the mineral
hematite because hematite contains iron.
• Soil that is dark brown or black has a lot of
humus (decayed plants and/or animals).
looks
(and a bit shiny in luster).
Let’s analyze the different types of
top soils!
• Each group will examine the 3 types of top
soils. Observe their texture (particle size) and
color.
• Fill out the chart.
Similarities and Differences of Top Soils
Top Soil Color
Type
(a. white,
b. black
c. reddish-brown)
Clay
Sand
Loam
Particle/ Texture
Grain Size
(a. big b. tiny c. a
combination of big and
small grains)
(a. smooth
b. rough
c. a combination of
smooth and rough)
1. Read your textbook pages 146 –
149.
2. Watch brainpopjr video on soils.
3. Answer Study Guide.
Study Guide
1. What do you call the top layer of soil?
_____________________
2. Which is a mixture of minerals,
weathered rocks, and some humus?
_____________
3. What do you call the material that is
made of bits of decayed plants and
animals? _______
Study Guide
4. How are soils different?
_________________________________
5. Which top soil has the biggest grains?
_____________
6. Which top soil has the smallest grains?
_____________
Study Guide
7. Which top soil has a combination of big
and small grains__________________
8. Water passes easily through which
particle size (big, small, or combination
of big and small)? _________
9. What kind of top soil has the biggest
grains? ___________________
Study Guide
10. Which type of top soil absorbs most
water? It also has dark brown or black
color.
______________
11. Which type of soil gets sticky and
smooth when wet? it usually has reddish
brown color. ________________