Science.3.10.B
The student is expected to
investigate and explain how soils such as sand and clay are formed by weathering of rock and by decomposition of plant and animal remains; and
Knowledge and Skills Statement
Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable processes that change Earth over time.
Further Explanation
Weathering is the breaking down of rock into smaller pieces by various methods, including plant roots, ice, water, and wind. Erosion is the movement of those pieces away from the original rock. These concepts are often taught together and are frequently conflated. This student expectation solely focuses on the crumbling of rock and its mixing with decomposed organic matter to create soil.
Supporting Information
Research
Royce, Christine Anne. 2008. “Teaching through Trade Books: Taking Note of Natural Resources.” Science and Children 45, no. 8 (April/May 2008): 14–16. https://webspace.ship.edu/caroyc/TakingNoteofNaturalResources.pdf.
Summary: In this article, children’s literature and activities explain soil and its connection to composting. The first book describes how soil is formed and what lives in soil. The second book explains what soil is made from and how it helps living things. Students should know that there are different types of soil in different environments. After reading “A Handful of Dirt,” teachers should review how soil is formed in the book (decaying plants and animals and weathered rock). Students are provided with “green things,” such as grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and flowers, and “brown things,” such as twigs, dead leaves, and newspaper. The class then layers the green and brown things in an enclosure and sprinkles the top with water. Students should think about what these things would be made of in a natural environment, like a forest. Students should record changes to their compost and discuss how composting is connected to soil formation.