Playing in the Dirt: The Exploration of Soil Sciences

soil science activities for kids

When kids play in the dirt, they’re not just getting messy…they’re learning!

Many children are fascinated by the natural world, and it’s easy to see why they’re drawn to the ground beneath their feet.  In most situations, there are entire ecosystems just below the surface and a little digging brings it to light.  Plus, the soil itself is important in the circle of life.  There’s so much to learn about by just getting your hands dirty!

Nature Watch kits and activities let kids get down to the ground to learn about soil sciences while having fun playing in the dirt. Here’s a look at some of our soil science activities for kids:

Soil Science Activities for Kids

The Explore Soil Book is a perfect starting point for teaching children about the underground world.  This activity book includes 25 different learning experiences, each emphasizing a different aspect of dirt and soil.  From analyzing soil composition to learning about the dangers of uncontrolled runoff, there’s something here to get any child interested in soil.

For more advanced students, there’s the Topsoil Tour, a collection of experiments to be conducted on soil, focused on its physical and chemical properties.  Students can test pH balance, nitrogen levels, and more – using genuine reagents provided in the kit.  This is also perfect for budding young farmers and soil scientists.

For a better look at the underground world, the Soil Horizons Display is an eye-catching and interesting STEM learning resource. This is a beautiful display piece, showing a scale-model cross-section of the ground from topsoil down to bedrock.  It’s also a great tool for helping to visualize geologic strata, and how everything below is compacted into layers.  This could easily segue into a discussion of topics like geology, or how scientists discovered that the continents used to be linked.

Of course, a comprehensive lesson on soil can’t only focus on matters of growth – there’s also decomposition to consider.  Our Decomposition Kit contains numerous experiments and activities, all aimed at helping children understand how one generation of life helps provide for the next.  By studying how various items decompose or degrade, children also learn a bit more about the importance of buying biodegradable products. These lessons can also be enhanced with a See-Through Composting Container, which allows students to see the decomposition process close up, but in a safe environment.

Nature Watch: The #1 Store for Soil Science Activities for Kids

Nature Watch is dedicated to helping you teach children about preservation, conservation, and the importance of our eco-system. Encourage children of all ages to get in touch with their natural surroundings through activities that foster a love of the outdoors and environmental sciences. Trust Nature Watch to provide the most engaging crafts and accessories for experiential learning.