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Preparation
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In earlier investigations in this soil unit, students mostly focused on the inorganic parts of the soil profile. In this investigation, students will observe some of the living things in soil.
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For each group of four students:
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This investigation is considered generally safe to do with students, but they should wear non-latex disposable globes and must wash their hands when they finish. As always, please review the investigation for your specific setting, materials, students, and conventional safety precautions.
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To set the scene, bring in a soil sample that includes several earthworms and other visible organisms (including plant material such as roots). While students look at the new sample, tell them that their task will be to find clues that there are both living things and recently living things in the sample.
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After the scene is set, introduce your students to the investigation question: “What lives in the soil?” Tell your students that they will be investigating this question and that at the end of their investigations, they will be able to provide reliable answers.
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Have students think about the material that floated on the top of the water when they separated soil in an earlier investigation. What did they notice when they observed the floating material? [It looked like pieces of wood, leaves, etc.] Ask students to suggest the names of organisms that live in the soil. Plants will be the most obvious. Ask them if they have ever noticed other things growing in and moving around in the soil. What do they think animals moving in the soil would find to eat? Ask them if they think that the animals and plants that live in the soil are good or bad for the soil. [Students might think that insects and worms harm the plants growing there.] |
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