Lesson 1: Introduction to Soil Health
This National FFA lesson plan, “Introduction to Soil Health,” introduces students to the concept of soil health and its importance in agriculture and ecosystems, focusing on the five essential functions of soil (regulating water, sustaining plant and animal life, filtering and buffering pollutants, cycling nutrients, and providing physical stability). Through hands-on station-based lab activities and discussions, students analyze various soil samples to evaluate their ability to perform these functions. The resource includes a teacher lesson plan, student activity sheets, and an answer key.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Define soil health and its importance in agriculture and ecosystems.
- Explain the five essential functions of soil.
- Analyze soil samples to observe their ability to perform the five essential functions.
- Time required
- 60-70 minutes (Preparation for this lesson should begin two or three days prior to teaching)
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the "Five Essential Functions" student activity sheet for each student
- Teacher computer/projection system to display slides
- Plastic cups
- Plastic bottles
- Graduated cylinders
- Water
- Various soil samples
- Stopwatch
- Radish seeds
- Stackable weights (or washers, coins, etc.)
- Vocabulary
- Buffering; Filtering; Minerals; Organic Material; Qualitative; Quantitative; Soil Health; Sustainability
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- Science – Perform several tests on a sample of soil to determine whether it has the capabilities of performing the five essential functions of soil. Mathematics – Perform basic calculations such as percentages and multiplication within the context of lab activities.
- SAE and FFA Connections
- Agronomy CDE; Environmental and Natural Resources CDE; Proficiency Areas: Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management; Foundational SAE Connections: Agricultural Literacy
- Resources/References
- Website: USDA NRCS, Soil Health, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/soils/soil-health
- Related Resources
- AgExplorer Sustainability Systems Focus Area; Introduction to Sustainability Lesson Series; Darling Ingredients Educational Resources; Valent — Sustainability in Agriculture Lesson Series
Downloads & Links
Lesson plan
Worksheet
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.05Consider the environmental, social and economic impact of decisions.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.03Examine and summarize the importance of health, safety and environmental management systems in AFNR workplaces.
- CS.04Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.
- CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
AFNR Performance Element
Common Career Technical Core
- AG-NR2Analyze the interrelationships between natural resources and humans.
- AG-NR4Demonstrate responsible management procedures and techniques to protect or maintain natural resources.
- AG3Examine and summarize the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in AFNR businesses.
- AG4Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.
- AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Core – Math Practices
- CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP3Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
- CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6Attend to precision.
Common Core – Science & Technical Subjects
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
FFA Precept
- FFA-CS-M.CommunicationEffectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.PL-A.ActionAssume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-B.RelationshipBuild relationships, work as a team player and appreciate the talents of others.
FFA Precepts
- FFA.CS-N.Decision MakingAnalyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
Green/Sustainability Knowledge and Skill Statements
- AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 1Apply understanding of ecosystems and systems thinking to the management of natural resources to maximize the health and productivity of the environment, agriculture, communities, and society.
- AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 3Communicate the impact of green and sustainability principles on agriculture, food and natural resource systems.
- AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 7Demonstrate an understanding of green and sustainability trends that are impacting processes and markets in AFNR.
Next Generation Science
- HS-ESS3-1Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.