Soil Texture and Water Percolation

Students determine the water holding and draining capacities of different soils and investigate how organic matter affects the amount of water soil will hold.

Grades
3 – 5
Estimated Time
Two 30-minute activities
Updated
January 24, 2023

Background

Lesson Activities

Credits

Author

Debra Spielmaker | Utah Agriculture in the Classroom

Acknowledgements

Activities 1 and 2 adapted from USDA Soil Conservation Service publication Soil and Water Conservation Activities by Albert B. Foster and Adrian C. Fox.

Standards

National Content Area Standards

  • Science
    • 5-ESS2: Earth's Systems
      • 5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways in which the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
    • 5-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
      • 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.