Soil!

__Soil!__

=Description= // Learn about the science on soil and why it is important for life on Earth! This hidden ecosystem is teeming with life –this is your chance to see what lies beneath our feet! Learn about the different layers of soil and get the chance to plant your own vegetable plant/seed for you to take home! Get a chance to ask some soil and gardening questions, learn more about earth science, and plan to get dirty at the station! //


 * Intended Grades: 1st-8th (can be geared towards all ages depending on presenter(s) knowledge of the topic)**

The objective of this module is to get students acquainted with soil and the earth sciences, providing them with knowledge about how important soil is on the planet and the role it plays on the water cycle, amongst many things.
 * Module Objectives:**

For Planting Activity
 * Materials Needed:**
 * Newspapers
 * Biodegradable tape
 * Jars and/or cans kids can use to wrap newspaper into planting vase
 * Vegetable plants and/or seeds (make sure they aren't invasive species)
 * NOTE: Newspaper and biodegradable tape pots could be replaced by coco pots, which are also biodegradable**

For Soil Station
 * Plexiglass case that shows the different layers of soil
 * Printed copies that show the layers of soil
 * Slideshow presentation and laptop
 * Medium bucket or container that contains topsoil
 * Earthworms

//First five to ten minutes of the station:// Give the students an overall breakdown of soil and the layers that make it up. Discuss the different processes that make up soil. Show them a quick run of the presentation and/or leave a slideshow of the presentation running while discussing with them.
 * Timeline:**

//Next ten to fifteen minutes of the station:// Show them how to make biodegradable plant vases, discuss to them about earthworms being good indicators when identifying healthy soil. Help them pot their plants.

//Final five to ten minutes of the station:// Discuss to them as to how soil ties in with the water cycle, ways to prevent soil erosion (show them the Dust Bowl picture), and answer any final questions the students might have.


 * Documentaries/Videos for Module**
 * [|Dirt! The Movie Official Website]**
 * [|Dirt! The Movie Full Length Documentary]**


 * Slideshow Presentations**
 * __[|Soil! The Awesomeness on Earth Prezi Presentation]__**


 * Flier**


 * Take Home Handout**


 * Module Curriculum**
 * NOTE: In addition to tying in EcoEd Literacy Goals, I also included NY and CA content standards that discuss soil and earth sciences for all grade levels (unless otherwise indicated).**