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Rocks, Soils and Composting

This is a hands on day where the children get the opportunity to handle lots of rocks and soil, to find out about where they come from and how they are the same and different, and to carry out some simple scientific tests.  We also examine the process of composting, learn how to use compost bins and discover the importance of minibeasts to this process.  Throughout the day we will also talk about the interconnectedness of life on earth and the important role of rocks and soils within this.

National Curriculum Summary

Sc3

Sc3 Materials and their Properties:
We explore rocks, considering their similarities and differences, and put them into groups according to their observable characteristics. We look at how we use rocks and where they are found.  We also look at the different types of soils and learn how to make soil ourselves through composting.

National Curriculum Main Links

Sc3 1a, 1d
Supports delivery of QCA Unit 3D Rocks and Soils

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the day children will be able to:

  • identify some different rocks and describe their different qualities
  • explain how rocks are used, according to their different qualities
  • explain that rocks are everywhere, but they may be covered with soil, buildings or water
  • describe different soils, including colour, texture and other properties
  • explain how soil is made
  • identify animals that live in the soil and how they help make soil

Availability

All year

Day Summary

The day begins with an introduction by the day leader, welcoming the group to the centre, followed by a whole-class game or activity.

The children then split into groups (normally 3 groups) for the day's activities: Comparing Soil, What is Soil?, and Rocks.

Comparing Soil

We think about what soil actually is, how it is made and what it is made up of.  We look at three different types of soils and explore how they are the same and different and see if they can be made into different shapes.  Using some clay soil we make some models and take them down into the woods.

What is Soil?

We try to work out what soil is made of and how it turns from natural litter to soil.  We visit the compost bins and wormery on site and play a game to understand the important role that minibeasts have in breaking down the natural litter.  We also get the chance to look for some minibeasts in the woods and watch them hard at work.

Rocks

We look at where rocks are found on the surface of the earth and explore, using feely bags, how they are the same and different.  We then carry out some tests on the rocks to find out about their properties and consider how these properties might affect the way that we use rocks. We then think about how rocks break down over time and become part of the soil.

 

Visit our Links page to find some fun ideas for pre-visit or follow-up activities! 

:: last modified 13 Aug 2010 ::