Not All Dirt is the SameGPS S3E1

c. Use observation to compare the similarities and differences of texture,

particle size, and color in top soils (such as clay, loam or potting soil, and sand).

Mrs. Martin’s Science Class

What is topsoil?• Top soil is the top layer of soil: the upper

fertile layer of soil, from which plant roots take nutrients.

We will go outside to answer…

• What’s in top soil? Bring a clipboard, a sticky note, and a pencil to record what you will find. Post your sticky note on the white board.

What will I make if I beat this rock into very small

pieces?Soil is mostly made up of

__________________.

Before we perform the activity, let’s talk about important/key words!

• Texture – It’s how a surface feels. The size or sizes of the particles will determine the texture the surface.

• Big particles or grains = rough• Very tiny particles or grains = smooth

Before we perform the activity, let’s talk about important/key vocabulary!

• COLOR in top soils: We learned that different minerals have different colors. We also discovered that soils mostly come from broken down rocks. If rocks have minerals, soils also have _________.

• Soil with reddish color usually has the mineral hematite because hematite contains iron.

• Soil that is dark brown or black has a lot of humus (decayed plants and/or animals).

• Soil with a lot of calcite and quartz looks white (and a bit shiny in luster).

Let’s analyze the different types of top soils!

• Each group will examine the 3 types of top soils. Observe their texture (particle size) and color.

• Fill out the chart.

Similarities and Differences of Top SoilsTop Soil Type

Color(a. white, b. black c. reddish-brown)

Particle/Grain Size(a. big b. tiny c. a combination of big and small grains)

Texture(a. smooth b. rough c. a combination of smooth and rough)

Clay

Sand

Loam

1. Read your textbook pages 146 – 149.2. Watch brainpopjr video on soils.3. Answer Study Guide.

Study Guide1. What do you call the top layer of soil?

_____________________2. Which is a mixture of minerals,

weathered rocks, and some humus? _____________

3. What do you call the material that is made of bits of decayed plants and animals? _______

Study Guide

4. How are soils different? _________________________________

5. Which top soil has the biggest grains? _____________

6. Which top soil has the smallest grains? _____________

Study Guide7. Which top soil has a combination of big

and small grains__________________

8. Water passes easily through which particle size (big, small, or combination of big and small)? _________

9. What kind of top soil has the biggest grains? ___________________

Study Guide

10. Which type of top soil absorbs most water? It also has dark brown or black color.

______________

11. Which type of soil gets sticky and smooth when wet? it usually has reddish brown color. ________________