Soil

Something that provides support, nutrients, and a habitat

for organisms

• cottage

• tornado

• evaporation

• natural resource

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

In what order do things happen to make soil?

• plants and animals die

• they break down (rot)

• soil that is rich in nutrients is made (humus)

• broken down things become soil

Match the following

• weathering

• place as rocks are broken down into progressively smaller pieces

  by the effects of weather

• erosion

• carrying away materials which includes small rocks caused from

  weathering

• picture of weathering

• 
• picture of erosion

• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Match the following

• Humus

• is a tiny fragment of rock. It has few nutrients and does not hold water well.

• Silt

• is decayed matter, plants and animals, in soil. It adds nutrients to the soil.

• Sand

• is sand and soil washed by water such as a river or a stream. It collects at the bottoms of

  these water areas in places where the water flows slowly.

• Clay

• is made of very tiny particles of rock and decayed plant material. It feels silky and smooth when you rub

  it between your fingers.

is a tiny fragment of rock. It has few nutrients and does not hold water well.

• sand

• silt

• clay

• humus

What is sand and soil washed by water such as a river or a stream? It collects at the bottoms of

these water areas in places where the water flows slowly. It is made up of very small broken

pieces of rock. It’s particles are larger than clay, but smaller than sand.

• sand

• silt

• clay

• humus

What is made of very tiny particles of rock and decayed plant material? Here in Virginia we have

a thick layer of this right beneath the top layer of soil, and it is also a big part of the topsoil.

It is absorbent and helps soil hold on to nutrients. It feels silky and smooth when you rub

it between your fingers.

• sand

• silt

• clay

• humus

What is decayed matter, plants and animals, in soil. It adds nutrients to the soil.

• sand

• silt

• clay

• humus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Label these layers of dirt.

a

b

c

topsoil

bedrock

subsoil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Match the following

• bedrock

• It’s mostly clay. It’s

  heavy, it drains poorly and has fewer nutrients for plants.

• topsoil

• is made from humus, sand and clay. It is high in nutrients,

  so it’s best for plant growth.

• subsoil

• Beneath all soil is solid rock called -.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2