1.11 Running and Jumping Soil
A small-group lesson from the National FFA Mentoring Program’s “Grow Your PALS” Program Guide (Lesson 1.11, Plants and Gardening unit). Students explore soil erosion through hands-on demonstrations—watching soil “jump” when water drops into a jar and running water over bare versus mulched soil in pans—to learn what erosion is, how running water affects soil, and how mulching can reduce it. Includes an interest approach, scripted teaching dialogue, review, application ideas, a True/False assessment with answer key, and supporting materials.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Define the term erosion.
- Identify the effect running water has on soil.
- Identify methods to prevent reduce erosion.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 30 minutes.
- Materials
-
- Potted plant
- One large clear jar (approximately 1 gallon)
- Soil – use soil that has little or no organic matter
- Cup for water
- Plastic pan – one per student – 12" x 12" x 5"
- One cardboard pan divider (can be made from old boxes) – 5 inches wide by 12 inches long
- Tape – masking or plastic
- Soil – enough to fill each plastic pan (See PALS1.11.SG.AS.C)
- Grass clippings or shredded newspaper – enough to cover one half of each pan – one cup per student
- Pitcher of water – large enough to fill all students' cups with water
- One spray bottle for misting
- Unit
- Plants and Gardening
- Lesson Type
- Small Group
- Precepts
- A. Action — A1. Work Independently and in Groups; A2. Focus on Results
- Key Terms
- Erosion
- Resources
- National FFA Organization. (2003). LifeKnowledge Precepts and Signs of Success
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NS.K-4.4Earth and Space Science