Soil Investigation Lab
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the IPC Level 2 stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to IPC Level 2 for Soil Investigation Lab.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Three clear plastic bins containing potting soil, sandy soil, and clay-heavy soil.
- Magnifying glasses for each student.
- Small plastic trowels and spoons.
- Laminated sorting mats with visual cues for texture.
- White paper plates for sample examination.
- Water spray bottles.
Learning Objectives
- Observe and describe differences in soil texture using sensory vocabulary.
- Categorize soil samples based on physical properties like colour and grain size.
- Predict how water interacts with different types of soil.
- Demonstrate proper use of scientific tools to examine natural materials.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and introduce the three soil samples as essential farm ingredients for growing crops.
2. Distribute one white paper plate to each child and place a small scoop of each soil type onto their plates.
3. Model how to use the magnifying glass to look closely at the particles, encouraging students to describe what they see.
4. Invite students to touch each sample with their fingers to compare the grit, softness, or stickiness of the soil.
5. Guide the students to sort their samples onto the laminated mats based on whether the soil feels smooth, rough, or sticky.
6. Demonstrate how to use the spray bottle to add a small amount of water to each sample.
7. Ask the children to observe how the water changes the shape or colour of the soil and record their findings.
8. Facilitate a group discussion about which soil they think would be best for a farmer to plant seeds in.
9. Allow students to wash their hands thoroughly after the investigation concludes.
Educator Tip
If students struggle with descriptive language, provide a word bank with visual cards featuring terms like bumpy, soft, dry, and wet. To extend the activity, encourage students to mix two soil types together to see if they can create a new texture.
Assessment
- Observe the student using a magnifying glass to identify specific details in the soil.
- Listen for the use of descriptive adjectives during the sorting process.
- Confirm the student can explain why one soil sample reacts differently to water than another.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.