Elementary GLOBE Soils Module

• This lesson plan is useful for teaching kids about the features of soil, how soil is used by plants and animals, and the basics of decomposition.
• Students will learn about different types of soils and their characteristics, the differences in how plants utilize soil as opposed to animals, and how environmental factors affect the rate of decomposition.

Positives

• The digital book is colorful and engaging.
• The lesson plan allows for plenty of student-centered learning.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• A teacher may have to cut up activity cards  or create charts before administering this lesson plan.
• The digital book is available to print or view as a PDF or ebook.
  

Differentiation

• This lesson plan has adaptations for younger and older learners, so teachers should use discretion according to their learners' ages and ability.
• Teachers are encouraged to shorten or lengthen activities based on learners' needs. 
• This lesson plan could enhance a classroom discussion on how humans can protect the health of Earth's soil by not using insecticides or other poisons around their homes.
• This lesson plan could augment a classroom discussion on why decomposers are so important for the environment.
• Older students could connect this lesson to ecosystem dynamics, the historic effects of DDT on other species, and connections between decomposition and nutrient cycling.