John Muir Study Guide Science Lesson Plan

In this lesson students name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter and explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many kinds of plants.  Naturalist, John Muir, is highlighted in this lesson.  Materials are easily obtainable.  There are clear instructions with extension ideas. Students compare and record observations. about different soil types. It also makes connections with a tradebooks about John Muir, embeds journaling and offers an extension activity.

Weblink address (URL): 
John Muir Study Guide Science Lesson Plan

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objective: 

Students will be able to:

  • name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter;
  • explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many kinds of plants.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extension:

Choose three very different types of soil from the samples brought to class by the students. Have the students plant flower or vegetable seeds in each type of soil, water them and place them in the Sun. Have the students continue to water the plants over the course of a couple of weeks, and monitor the development of the seeds into plants. Ask the students to determine if one kind of soil was better for plant development than the others, and ask why they believe this was the case.

 

Helpful Hints

Materials: 

  • John Muir on Soil Reading Handout (PDF) (also provided below) 
  • One-quart plastic bags
  • Soil samples 
  • Paper plates
  • Magnifying glass
  • Strainer
  • Pan
  • Paper 
  • Pencils

References

Contributors: 
Diane Vaughn
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation