Soil Biology, Chemistry, and Physics... Oh My!
Presented February 2021
Soil is so much more than what food is grown in, we walk on, or move out of the way to build houses or buildings on. It's complex, life-giving, and is critical for a balanced ecosystem. Our three presenters provide a background on each (what it is, why it's important, and ideas for classroom activities). We wrapped up with additional resources and learn a bit about careers in these three areas. This webinar is presented by members of the Soil Science Society of America:
- Briana Wyatt, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University (SSSA K12 Committee Chair)
- Jenn DeBruyn, Associate Professor, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Owen Duckworth, Professor, North Carolina State University
- David Lindbo, Director, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil and Plant Science Division, Moderator
Webinar Organizers:
- Aida Awad (NAGT)
- Edward Robeck (American Geosciences Institute)
- Missy Holzer (NESTA)
- Mitchell Bender-Awalt (National Association of Geoscience Teachers)
- With the NGSS Earth and Space Science Working Group
Click to view or download the webinar recording (MP4 Video 460.1MB Feb15 21).
Soil Biology, Chemistry, and Physics... Oh My! (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 53.3MB Feb15 21)
Soils: Foundation for Life Webinar
Presented March 2018
Dig into the basics of soil! Explore this free hour-long recorded webinar, where you'll learn what soil is, how it forms, and how it affects our lives every day through hands-on activities for the classroom. The webinar was presented by professional members of the Soil Science Society of America, and hosted by NESTA.
The content of the webinar connects not only with NGSS Earth & Space science core ideas, but life science and physical science core ideas as well.
Powerpoints for Presentation Part One | Part Two | View Speaker Bios
Suggested Resources and Activities
*compiled by webinar section
Soil - An Overview
Taxonomy Poster (pdf) (request a print copy at membership@soils.org)
Basic Soil Processes Activity
Earth as an Apple Activity Sheet | Dr. Dirt Video (YouTube)
Soils Overview Video (with Jim Toomey)
Soil Formation - CLORPT
Finding Slope Finding Slope Activity | Supplemental Worksheet (slope finder)
Make Your Own Soil Profile
Organisms in the Soil Berlese Funnel Activity
Soil Characteristics
Soil Texture Jar Activity | Soil Texture Worksheet and Activity | Texture Chart Video (YouTube)
Soil Color Information Sheet
Soil Color Activity (grades 3-5) | Soil Color and Redox Chemistry Activity (grades 6-12)
Soil Fertility
Law of Minimum Video
Soils Supports Agriculture IYS Video
Nitrogen Cycle Activity
