Georgia S3E1.b
The Standard
Plan and carry out investigations to describe properties (color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support growth of plants) of soils and soil types (sand, clay, loam).
Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science · Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical attributes of rocks and soils.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students test sand, clay, and loam to compare how each looks, feels, holds water, and supports plant growth. They record results and explain patterns using evidence.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students set up fair tests using equal amounts of soil, water, seeds, and light. They collect accurate data and use it to compare the three soil types.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think dark soil always grows plants best or that soil with fast drainage holds the most water. They may change several test conditions at once.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to write a four-step plan for testing which soil holds the most water. Their plan must name what stays the same and what gets measured.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Fill clear cups with equal amounts of sand, clay, and loam, pour in measured water, then compare how much drains out.
Ask students to write which soil they would choose for growing beans and support the choice with two observations.
Play Soil Detective by having teams match soil samples to clue cards describing color, texture, drainage, and plant growth.
Examine soil from the school garden and recommend sand, clay, or loam for a new planting bed using test results.
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Printable S3E1.b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- S3E1
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical attributes of rocks and soils.
- SKE2.c
Use tools to observe and record physical attributes of soil such as texture and color.
- SKE2
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe the physical attributes of earth materials (soil, rocks, water, and air).
- S6E5.h
Plan and carry out an investigation to provide evidence that soil is composed of layers of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material.
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