Second Grade Soil Science
November 18, 2020 | Melia McHugh
The Second Grade has been investigating soil in our newest science unit. They have been learning about the components that make up soil and observing different soil types.
Students started off the unit by observing different soil samples from around Hoboken. They then put spoonfuls of the specific soils in a tube with water. They shook the tubes and let them rest.
They observed that the soil settled into layers. As they made observations, we started to compile a list of new scientific terms to use to describe what was in the tubes.
After becoming more familiar with these new scientific terms, and examining several types of soil, Second Graders had a chance to think about what “ingredients” or “components” make up soil.
First, they brainstormed what ingredients are needed to make cookies.
Then, they discussed what ingredients they needed to make soil. They had a chance to combine a piece of leaf, clay, silt, and sand to make their own soil mixtures.
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In our latest lessons, students have been learning about weathering and how soil is formed. They were able to see what happens to dry lima beans when they are put in to a cup with water with a lid.
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Just like in nature, the beans absorbed the water and when they expanded, they increased in size and caused the cup to break. Ask you child what happened with the full cup of water with a lid when it was placed in the freezer overnight.
