Popular searches in the last week:

2025, 2024, 2026, phonics, dinosaurs, rainforest, english, vikings, ancient rome, year 5

Soil detectives

Science Year 3
This unit is part of Year 3 Science Rocks and Fossils

Download all files

Objectives

It’s time to put your scientific detection skills to the test with some exciting soil investigation activities. Discover the answers to some important questions about soil and learn just how important it is to life on our planet!

Science Objectives
i) Recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.

Working Scientifically

  1. Make systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, take accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment.
  2. Gather, record, classify and present data in a variety of ways to help answer questions.
  3. Identify differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes.
  4. Use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support findings.

You Will Need

Additional Resources

  • Soil samples – see Teacher’s Notes
  • Flip chart and marker pens
  • A3 white paper
  • Lidded tubs to store soil for the Soil Detective activity (one per group)
  • One per child of: plastic spoon, sheet of A4 paper, plastic gloves & a magnifying lens
  • 3 plastic funnels & 3 plastic beakers
  • 3 balls of cotton wool
  • 3 finely calibrated measuring cylinders
  • Plastic jars with tightly fitting screw lids
  • Some non standard measures of capacity, e.g. a scoop, a small cup, a tablespoon.

Weblinks
A short video about different types of soil

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Investigate, discover and classify the different components of soil.
  • Gather evidence on how different soils can vary and suggest reasons for this.

Activities

  1. Play a guessing game to learn some amazing facts about soil and the crucial role it plays in supporting life.
  2. Closely observe soil with hand lenses and list and classify the constituent parts.
  3. Actively investigate and compare 3 different soils and their properties, recording findings.
  4. With support, draw conclusions on the reasons for variation between soils.

Investigation - exploring/classifying and identifying/fair testing
Investigate different soils, asking questions and seeking answers through a variety of scientific enquiries (exploring/ classifying and identifying /fair testing)

Vocabulary
Soil, micro-organisms, organic matter, particles, sand, silt, fair test, compare, sort, predict

Log in or sign up to get access to this resource

School Subscription

Reduce teacher workload

From £155 (+ VAT) per year. Access to all key stages for multiple users.

Sign up

Individual Subscription

For inspirational teaching

Just £45 (£37.50 + VAT) per year to get access to all resources.

Sign up

Early Career Teacher

Develop your teaching

Just £33 (£27.50 + VAT) to get access to all resources for 2 years.

Sign up

Taster Account

100s of resources

Register to access all free resources.

Sign up

Already subscribed?

Log in to get access.