Soil Investigation Lab
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the IPC Level 1 stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to IPC Level 1 for Soil Investigation Lab.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Large plastic trays or bins
- Samples of potting soil, sand, and clay
- Plastic magnifying glasses
- Small plastic scoops and shovels
- Laminated cards showing farm crops
- Small containers of water
Learning Objectives
- Describe the physical properties of soil using sensory vocabulary such as soft, gritty, or sticky.
- Compare different soil types by touch and sight.
- Demonstrate proper handling of scientific tools like magnifying glasses.
- Identify that plants need soil to grow on the farm.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Set up three distinct stations on low tables, each containing one type of soil sample in a plastic tray.
2. Gather the children in a circle to introduce the concept of soil as the home for farm plants.
3. Model how to use a magnifying glass by holding it close to your eye and then moving it slowly over a handful of soil.
4. Invite the children to touch the soil samples, encouraging them to use descriptive words like dry, wet, or crumbly.
5. Demonstrate how to add a small amount of water to the soil samples to observe how the texture changes.
6. Ask the children to use their scoops to move soil from the tray into small containers.
7. Facilitate a group discussion about which soil feels best for planting seeds based on their sensory experience.
8. Allow children to explore the materials independently while you circulate to ask open-ended questions.
9. Conclude the activity by having children help wipe down the tables to practise classroom responsibility.
Educator Tip
If children are hesitant to touch the soil, provide plastic gloves or small brushes to help them investigate the texture without direct skin contact. You can extend this activity by asking children to look for tiny rocks or plant fibers hidden within the soil samples to practise sorting skills.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can distinguish between at least two different textures of soil.
- Note if the child uses descriptive language to explain how the soil feels.
- Record whether the child can successfully use the magnifying glass to focus on a specific part of the soil.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.