2.32 How Soil Particles Settle
This is Lesson 32 (“How Soil Particles Settle”) from the National FFA Mentoring Program’s Grow Your PALS Program Guide, in the Environmental Science unit. Through an edible “dirt” interest approach and a jar-settling investigation, mentors and students explore soil particles and the three main soil types—sand, silt, and clay—observing how particles separate into layers over time based on size and weight.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Conduct investigation of soil particles.
- Discuss the main types of soil.
- Observe the settlement of particles within a soil sample.
- Time required
- 50 minutes
- Materials
-
- clean 1-quart jar with lid
- masking tape
- medium-textured soil
- water
- measuring teaspoon
- non-foamy detergent
- ruler
- edible "dirt" materials – vanilla pudding (water), gummy worms (animals), Oreo Sandwich Cookies (rocks), candy sprinkles (minerals), marshmallows (air pockets) and Reese's Pieces (organic matter)
- clear plastic cups
- spoons
- Lesson Type
- Large Group
- Precepts
- H. Social Growth — H1. Acknowledge differences exist among people
- Key Terms
- soil particles, clay, silt, sand
- Resources
- None
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NS.K-4.1Science as Inquiry