In this reader students will learn about the importance of soil, the difference between soil and dirt and careers related to the topic. To complete the lesson, students will get their hands dirty with a slimy soil lab.
This teacher’s guide is broken into different sections with suggestions of how to use the reader in the classroom and provide ideas on how to extend the learning of your students.
There are six vocabulary words to be found throughout the reader. They are bolded with a small explanation to help define the word. Other ways to learn more about these words are:
In this section students will learn about the Ogallala Aquifer and how aquifers function. The farmer Bill video provides additional information to help them understand what an Aquifer is.
For many students this may be their first introduction to irrigation.
In this section students will learn basic information about Earth’s water, that additional water cannot be created and how water is used. This is also the introduction to irrigation and water conservation practices.
Throughout the reader students have learned that water is a limited resource. Put your student’s knowledge to the test running a sustainable farm in a few different locations around the world.
This Water Science Investigation explores watershed patterns and functions. Students will create their own landscapes using various items and draping the shower curtain over their setup. You can have students add additional materials such as small houses, sprinkles (as a sediment), or other items to show the movements created by the flowing water. There is a Shower Curtain Shed Worksheet provided that can help students through this activity.
Other Extensions
This lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
As the need to produce more food with less resources grows, it is important that future generations have a better understanding of agriculture and how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. That’s why the Kansas Corn STEM program provides lessons to teach science through the lens of corn. We are committed to providing free materials and training to support educators.
