Science.K.11
The student is expected to observe and generate examples of practical uses for rocks, soil, and water.
Knowledge and Skills Statement
Earth and space. The student knows that earth materials are important to everyday life.
Demonstrated Proficiency
The following is an example of how to assess proficiency of this student expectation (SE) or a portion of the SE.
Students should observe how rocks, soil, and water are used by organisms. Then they should describe the way that they observed the organism using the resource (rocks, soil, or water) and also provide other examples of how that resource might be used. For example, if a teacher demonstrates that soil can be used as a home for earthworms, students might also describe other uses for soil, like growing plants. After seeing some examples, students should be able to generate new ideas not suggested by the teacher. Have students create a three-column chart labeled rocks, soil, and water in their notebooks. In each column, students should record three examples of how each is used in everyday life. In kindergarten, the goal is for students to think about ways they've seen organisms use rocks, soil, or water. There are no specific right or wrong answers. Students are building an awareness of how organisms interact with their environment.
Further Explanation
In later grades, students will begin to study the properties of soil that make them valuable for different uses. The soils studied in school are sandy soil, clay soil, and loam or humus. One of the primary properties studied is how well soil retains water. The components and the particle size of soil determine how much water it will retain. Oftentimes, soils with different properties will be mixed to achieve the desired water retention levels.
Sandy soil retains the least amount of water. Sand is made of weathered rock, which does not absorb water. Therefore, when sand is mixed in the soil, it increases the drainage that occurs.
Clay soil has very fine particles, and the large quantity of particles result in water retention. Silt is clay that has been deposited around bodies of water. Silt has the finest particle size and has the same properties as clay soil.
Loam or humus are organic soils that are rich in nutrients. Organic soils have large particles. Therefore, organic soils do not retain as much water as fine-particle soil.
Supporting Information
Research
Eric J. Pyle. 2008. “A Model of Inquiry for Teaching Earth Science.” The Electronic Journal of Science Education 12, no. 2 (December 2007): 1-19. https://ejrsme.icrsme.com/article/view/7770
Summary: This article explains the importance of inquiry-based instruction in Earth Science. Understanding Earth Science means understanding the relationships between different science disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and biology. This article includes figures with guidance on incorporating inquiry-oriented instruction when teaching Earth sciences.
Research
Hawley, Duncan. 2013. “The ‘Real Deal’ of Earth Science: Why, Where and How to Include Fieldwork in Teaching.” School Science Review 94, no. 347 (December 2012): 87–100.
Summary: In this article, Duncan Hawley explains the importance of fieldwork when teaching Earth Science. Fieldwork can look like an actual field trip or even just going outside near your school campus. Observing Earth materials naturally is a great way for students to investigate and make observations.