1. IntroIntro Objective 12/12/2011 Explain how soil is formed through erosional processes. Take out Shoreline Landforms PRJ Write Q&A in notebook: What do you think soil is?

2. SOIL FORMATION

3. Today’s Lab… Small tupperware container, with two sugar cubes and one rock inside. Predict what will happen if the container is shaken; explain why. Shake container for thirty seconds; observe. Shake container for another thirty seconds; observe. Cubes represent other rocks; sugar represents soil forming; shaking represents gravity, wind, water, abrasion, etc.

4. “Rock” before start “Rock” halfway through “Rock” at the end

5. Soil Formation  Soil  Loose mixture of rock fragments, organic material, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation  Different soils have different textures and color

6. Soil Formation  How does soil form?  As rock breaks down, plants and animals are able to live in it.  As plants and animals die, their decomposed parts add to the soil, making it more livable for others!

8. Soil formation  Importance of soil  Soil is where the lowest energy levels of plants and animals live. Without it, we could not survive, either!

9. Soil  What are the properties of soil?  Soil consists of 4 Horizons  Horizon O (topsoil) - organic material; the darker the soil, the higher the nutrient content  Horizon A - where plants and most animals live; the more organic matter the more fertile  Horizon B (subsoil) - where there are more clays and broken up rock  Horizon C - made of partially weathered rock  Bedrock – layer of rock beneath the soil

10. Soil  Are all soils the same?  No; climate and bedrock have a huge impact on what type of soil forms!  Tropical soil is thin cause of heavy rains  Desert soil can be toxic cause of evaporation  Temperate soil is just right, producing fertile crops

11. Soil Formation  Summary:  What is soil?  Why is it important?  What are the four horizons? Describe each.  Which type of soil is best for growing crops?

12. Soil  Different Types of Soil:  Sand  Shale  Clay  Silt

13. OutroOutro Pick two types of soil and create a Double-Bubble map for them!