Virginia SOL 3.6

3.6 is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• 3.6.a

  soil, with its different components, is important to organisms

• 3.6.b

  soil provides support and nutrients necessary for plant growth.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students examine soil and identify components such as rock particles, decayed matter, water, air, and living organisms. They explain how soil anchors plants and provides water and nutrients.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Given a soil sample or diagram, students can name several components and describe how they support an ecosystem. They use observations to explain how soil helps plants grow.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think soil is only crushed rock, all soil is identical, or soil has no living parts. They may say plants eat soil rather than absorb water and dissolved nutrients through their roots.

04

How to Assess It

Give students a cup of soil or a clear photo. Ask them to name three components and explain two ways the soil helps a bean plant grow.

1. 01

   Spread a soil sample on a tray, use hand lenses and craft sticks to sort rock pieces, organic matter, and signs of organisms.

2. 02

   Write a claim answering, “Why is soil more than dirt?” and support it with two observations from a soil sample.

3. 03

   Play a matching game with cards showing soil components and cards naming roles, such as holding water, adding nutrients, or providing air spaces.

4. 04

   Compare soil from a garden bed and a compacted walkway, then choose the better planting site and defend the choice with evidence.

• 3.7

  The student will investigate and understand that there is a water cycle and water is important to life on Earth. Key ideas include

• 2.8

  The student will investigate and understand that plants are important natural resources. Key ideas include

• 3.8

  The student will investigate and understand that natural events and humans influence ecosystems. Key ideas include

• LS.5

  The student will investigate and understand that biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem. Key ideas include