Properties of Soil Review

What are 3 properties of soil?

• color, texture, taste

• texture, color, appearance

• color, texture, particle size

• particle size, texture, taste

A student compares two soil samples. One soil sample came from the beach and the other soil came from a ballpark. The most likely reason why the two soil samples look different from one another is because

• there are different rocks in each soil sample

• the temperature of each soil sample is different

• there are different types of insects in the soil samples

• they are formed from different materials

Students poured the same amount of water through 4 different soil samples. They collected and measured the amount of water that drained out of the soil samples. Some plants grow better in very wet soil. The best soil for these plants is soil that holds a lot of water. Which of the soils tested would be best for this plant?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A student describes a soil sample as being wet. What property of the soil did the student describe?

• color

• water retention

• texture

• particle size

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

This type of soil is made of tiny rocks and sand. It can be very wet or very dry. Plants do not grow well in this type of soil. The roots can’t breathe in this type of soil because there is no air in it. It does not have any nutrients for plants to grow. You can find me at the ballpark or on a dirt road.

• sand

• humus

• clay

• loam

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

This type of soil does not have a lot of nutrients. It is made mostly from broken up rocks. There are not many plants that grow well in this soil. This soil does not soak up a lot of water. Places that have this type of soil are deserts and beaches.

Which type of soil am I?

• loam

• dirt

• humus

• sand

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Students observed some soil samples near their school. By comparing the soils, the students are MOST likely to learn that

• soils with large pieces are darker than fine soils

• soils with small rocks can grow the tallest plants

• soils can be different from place to place

• soil layers are the same thickness

A student identifies a soil sample as being "very gritty." What characteristic of the soil did the student describe?

• texture

• hardness

• organic content

• water retention

Mandy wants to find an area in her yard where she can wash her dog without making mud puddles. She wants to put something on the ground that will allow water to pass through easily. Which of these materials would be the BEST for her to use?

• clay

• plastic

• soil

• pebbles

Humus is an organic material that makes up soil. Which characteristic BEST indicates that soil has a high humus content?

• the color of the sample

• the mass of the sample

• the amount of clay in the sample

• the amount of rock in the sample

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3