Plants and Soil

A STEM unit

Science Core Objective

• STANDARD III: Students will understand the basic properties of rocks, the processes involved in the formation of soils, and the needs of plants provided by soil.

Objective 3: Observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth.

d. Explain how plants may help control the erosion of soil.

Science ILOs

1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skillsa. Observe simple objects and patterns and report their

observations.b. Make simple predictions and inferences based upon

observations.c. Compare things and events.d. Conduct a simple investigation when given directions.e. Use observations to construct a reasonable

explanation.

Engineering/Technology

• Soil Engineer• Geotechnical Engineer

What is soil?

What does soil do for plants?

What do plants do for soil?

What happens when soil loses it’s plant cover?

• http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&hl=en&authuser=0&tbm=isch&tbnid=tye-bEjiX8gfYM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ksl.com/%3Fnid%3D148%26sid%3D26397951&docid=O7o2xAvgGYIeHM&imgurl=http://media.ksl.com/1376356680-1114013921.jpg&w=960&h=540&ei=xuFNUu36HKjgiAKl-YCYDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:32,s:0,i:186&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=168&tbnw=300&start=32&ndsp=17&tx=203&ty=70

And looks like this?

Can humans help repair soil once it is damaged?

Before it ends up in the basement?

Or in the yard.