Soil Science

Our last IDEAS unit before the Thanksgiving Break had students 'digging' (sorry) through our research to un-'earth' (sorry again) some facts about what is happening in the soil below us.  Students explored weathering and erosion in their Science classes with Ms. Paffenroth and, with Mr. Nordling in the Shared Space, practiced creating artwork that displayed facts that students had researched on their own.

Each student in the Shared Space used source material from our Science study to find answers to 'Big Questions' - guiding ideas that helped focus our research.  Some examples of these include:

- What lives in the soil?

- How is soil created?

- Why is soil important?

- What are the different layers of soil?

An example of a student's planning sheet.

Each student used a planning sheet as a tool to record and plan out their project work.  They were required to find a fact within their reading that answered their guiding question, and then draw out a plan for a project that displayed this fact or facts that they had found.

At each point, students were required to check in with the teacher to ensure their work was on track and that their goals were realistic.  Students were also asked to examine their own work in progress and identify what still needed to be changed and what improvements were needed.

It was a challenging exercise but we saw much success in our results.  Check out these examples of student work!

Sasha investigated what layers exist beneath the soil, and made a poster showing his findings. 

Anthony asked the question, 'What lives beneath the soil?'
His research showed many animals.
Can you spot worms, snakes, plants & roots, and a mole in this picture?

Madyson investigated how worms dig tunnels.

Rhys found out that soil particles are made through the erosion of rocks,
caused by wind, rain and ice.
Can you see these 3 forces at work in this sculpture?