For teachers

Teaching about soils can be both challenging and rewarding. There is a growing number of tools and resources you can use in primary and secondary education on this fascinating subject.

Please get in touch if you are aware or resources we have missed out on these pages!

Primary school
Secondary school
Resources from outside NZ

 

Primary school

New Zealand Science Learning Hub. Dig in and learn about soil – the essential resource beneath our feet.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/topics/soil?level=primary

Teacher resources compiled by the New Zealand Society of Soil Science (NZSSS)
https://nzsss.science.org.nz/teacher-resources/

Understanding soils

Learn about a fascinating and crucially important matter!

Soils are not just dirt! We often think so, because soils are hidden below-ground, out of sight. But did you know that soils are home to over one quarter of all living species? Or that globally soil are the largest terrestrial carbon pool? Soils also clean our drinking water, are a source of raw materials, and they are 3-D archives of our natural and also cultural history.
Get me started!

 

Secondary school

New Zealand Science Learning Hub. Dig in and learn about soil – the essential resource beneath our feet.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/topics/soil?level=secondary

Teaching about the essence of soil biodiversity
https://www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath-our-feet/2022/8/22/teaching-about-the-essence-of-soil-biodiversity

Soil, Farming and Science

A learning module by Sciencelearn.org.nz

Applying science to improve farming and the environment. What do soil, farming, and science have to do with each other? Learn about the effects farming can have on the environment and explore innovative science ideas that can help farmers and the environment.
Explore on Sciencelearn.org.nz

 

Resources from outside New Zealand

Soils4Teachers

A website full of educational soils information for teachers
https://www.soils4teachers.org/

Particularly useful is a searchable database of soils-related lessons, hands-on activities, labs, readings, and more:
https://www.soils4teachers.org/lessons-and-activities/search

Provider: Soil Science Society of America


USDA Soil Education

Soil education page
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/soils/soil-health/soil-health-education-and-outreach

In particular: Over 30 videos produced by the US Department of Agriculture on various aspects of soil health:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4J8PxoprpGbRi3gZ-fWN0dGD8bnnq3wM
 Provider: USDA-NRCS (National Resource Conservation Centre)


Soil-Net.com

Soil-Net.com is a free and compelling environmental online resource providing teachers and students with extensive curriculum-based information about soil.
http://www.soil-net.com/

Provider: Cranfield University, UK


The magical world of soil biodiversity

A collection of 10 children's stories from around the world.
https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb4185en

Provider: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Nutrients for life

Free, interactive lesson plans, videos, and classroom tools that promote a deeper understanding of core science concepts as your students discover the complex world of soil.
https://nutrientsforlife.org/for-teachers/

Provider: Nutrients For Life Foundation

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