Presentation of the lesson plan on "Soil Science" at the 7th SPWatFCL Brussels 19-21 June 2015

1. Soil Science lesson
Experiment to investigate the effect of different soil conditions on the plants that
will grow in those soils.

2. Target group – 16 year olds.
 Prior knowledge – pupils will have prior knowledge of what germination of
seed is, the conditions necessary for germination and basic knowledge of
weathering of rock.

3. Lesson outline
 Story of seed company mixing up seed supply
 Presentation of 3 soils and tree different plant seeds. State that each soil has
optimum soil conditions for one of each seed type.
 Discussion and brain storm as to what soil conditions may have an effect on
the plants will grow there.
 Laboratory experiments for each of theses factors on each soil type eg %
Water, % Air, % Humus, pH, mineral content, soil texture sedimentation test,
parent material, salinity, using data sensors and loggers.
 Computer research on the best soil conditions for each plant
 Match up the plant to what they believe is the best soil
 Pupils will then grow the seeds in all there soils to verify their hypothesis.

4. Activity 1
 The students are given a story about a seed company which has mixed up its
seeds, they have sent the seeds to three different countries and they have
failed to grow. The students are asked why this might be. A mind map is
carried out.

5. Activity 2
 Show the three seed types, grass, radish and water melon. Show the three
soil types A, B and C stating that each soil has the optimum conditions for the
growth of one of the seed types.

6. Activity 3
 Discussion on interactive whiteboard or table as to what soil comditions could
affect the growth of plants eg % Water, % Air, % Humus, pH, mineral content,
soil texture sedimentation test, parent material, salinity,
 This list is not exhaustive and not limited to factors that are necessarily
relevant eg maybe pupils will suggest electrical conductivity

7. Activity 4
 Split class up into groups. Each group will test all three soil types for the factors
discussed in activity 3
 Group 1 % Water
 Group 2 % Air
 Group 3 % humus
 Group 4 pH
 Group 5 Mineral content
 Group 6 soil texture
 All groups activities carried out using data loggers where available and standard
science laboratory equipment and chemicals.
 All results collaborated with the class using wall wisher pin board on interactive
whiteboard eg tozzl.com

8. Activity 5
 In the classroom using tablets or school computer room the pupils will
investigate what levels of the factor they have tested are optimum for each
seed All results collaborated with the class using wall wisher pin board on
interactive whiteboard.

9. Activity 6
 Predict which soil A B or C is best for each seed type.

10. Activity 7
 Each group will then grow all three seed types in each soil type and compare
their results to their predictions. Collaboration of results.

11. Activity 8
 Discussion and conclusion and suggestions for future study eg how do we
change soil conditions to suit a particular soil type.