This document discusses methods for teaching soil science to kids and adults. It promotes teaching soil science to cultivate interest in natural resource conservation, environmental protection, and science. It advocates raising awareness of environmental issues and using the Socratic teaching method to stimulate discussion with questions rather than answers. Several hands-on teaching methods are described, like making soil monoliths, texture tests, and demonstrations of how soil behaves when wet. Resources for teaching soil science are provided.

1. Soil Science Education
for Kids & Adults
Ross Braun, Dig-It! docent

2. Why Teach Soil Science?
Cultivate Interest in:
• Natural Resource Conservation
• Environmental Protection
• Science
• Career Development (STEM)
Soils Are A Secret Resource

3. Awareness to Action
• Raising awareness on the most pressing
environmental issues of our time is more
important than ever. Leonardo DiCaprio
• Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I
remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin

4. Socratic Teaching Method
Give students
questions,
not answers.

5. Socratic Teaching Method
• Stimulate discussion with probing
questions
• Periodically summarize what has
and what has not been dealt with
and/or resolved
(Yes = every response . . .)
• Draw as many students as possible
into the discussion.

6. Socratic Teaching Method
Teachers Can Cheat!
• Dynamic Tools & Toys
• Demonstrate
• Involve Students
• Relate to Real Life

8. What’s the best soil for mud pies?

9. Making Soil Monoliths

10. Teaching Environmental Educators

11. Painting With Soil

12. Is this soil disturbed or undisturbed?

13. Soil Texture Test

15. Soil Water – Predict Rain Effect
• Where have you seen disturbed soils?
• Where have you seen undisturbed soils?
(Baseball Field: Infield vs. Outfield)
• Color Difference? Carbon = Decomposed Organics
• Structure: Smooth or Creamy Peanut Butter?
• Mycorrhizal Fungi: Glomalin (glue malin)
• Earthworm Castings: POOP!
What will happen when it rains?

17. Soil Water – Rain Effect
What happened?
• If you were a plant which soil would you
prefer?
• If your house or playground was below
these soils what would happen?
• Flooding
• Sediment (get pretty dirty . . .)

18. Soil Slake Test
Disturbed versus Undisturbed Soil - What will happen?

22. Handout
Materials

23. Teachers and Students
http://www.soils.usda.gov/education/
http://forces.si.edu/soils/ (Smithsonian)
http://doctordirt.org
https://www.soils.org/smithsonian/exhibit (
http://www.nacdnet.org/education/soils
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/undergroundadventure/
http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/farm.htm
http://forces.si.edu/soils/05_00_00.html (e

24. Stickers

25. Do You Know The Soils
at Your House?

26. Soil Education Venues
• Earth Day Events
• Scout Meetings & Events
• Teacher Workshops
• Classrooms
• Nature Centers
• Science Centers
• Museums

27. Thank You
~ Stump the Soil Scientist ~
Can you think of anything on this planet
not connected to soil?