Green STEM Learning: soil science

Ag in the Classroom currently reaches 6.5 million school students in the US - and the goal is to reach more.

Here's the USDA blog on the new curriculum Matrix that helps teachers access lesson plans.

Students learn about agriculture by using materials available online through the Ag in the Classroom’s Matrix.
(iStock image- fom USDA Blog)

Click on the Ag in the Classroom's February Resources below - get inspired and take your students out to learn!

2015 is the UN’s International Year of Soils.

Key messages from the UN’s global Food and Agriculture Organization are:

Soils are the foundation for vegetation which is cultivated or managed for feed, fiber, fuel and medicinal products.
Soils support our planet's biodiversity and they host a quarter of the total biodiversity.

Soils help to combat and adapt to climate change by playing a key role in the carbon cycle.

Soils store and filter water, improving our resilience to floods and droughts.
Soil is a non-renewable resource; its preservation is essential for food security and our sustainable future.

Studying Soil with elementary-age students? Hit the NGSS standards relating to soils and ecosystems and begin with these 8 activities.

Go dig up some soil, put in a jar, add water, shake and leave. What do you notice after a few minutes, a day, a week?
Contact your local Extension office and do a soil test for nutrients and chemical composition.
Start composting: Begin with a “decomposition” experiment…
Study life in your soil...
...and compost.
Invite a soil scientist to visit with your class. See http://www.soils4teachers.org/ask or invite a soil professional from your Soil and Water Conservation District
Raise awareness on soils in your locality.

Here in Arlington, I am working with some residents to invite the County Board to proclaim 2015 as our local Year of Soils. Your class could outreach to your local officials and legislators. Every day is "earth day".
Check out your local environmental education nonprofits, Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners for classes on composting and soil management.

Also why not work on hydroponics and aquaponics - the art and science of growing plants without soil? Here's a new starter "Aquafarm"... https://www.backtotheroots.com/shop/aquafarm
Project-based learning? Identify and solve a problem such as soil erosion in your schoolyard.

Monthly Films Celebrate Soil and Diversity

These monthly two-minute films developed by the Soil Science Society of America highlight different aspects of soils and society. Each month has information on the theme, a lesson plan, and other outreach activities. Click on the month below to see the activities and films.

January - Soils Sustain Life	July - Soils are Living
February - Soils Support Urban Life	August - Soils Support Health
March - Soils Support Agriculture	September - Soils Protect the Natural Environment
April - Soils Clean and Capture Water	October - Soils and the Products We Use
May - Soils Support Buildings/Infrastructure	November - Soils and Climate
June - Soils Support Recreation	December - Soils, Culture, and People

Additional Resources

International Year of Soils Logos at

Soil Science Society of America
Resources for International Year of Soils and Soil Education

Junior Master Gardeners Teacher Leader Guide
Chapter Two is easy hands-on experiments with soils.

Example of countertop demonstration Aquaponic kit - $60

https://www.backtotheroots.com/shop/aquafarm and at other retailers

Additional movies:

Dirt! The Movie - streaming for $3, and to buy at http://www.dirtthemovie.org/the-film/

Symphony of the Soil - streaming for $5.99 at http://www.symphonyofthesoil.com/

Soil Test kits are available from your local Cooperative Extension office

Wednesday, February 11, 2015