Instructions
Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. For the drawing and writing questions, think about what you have learned about soil and use your imagination!
Part 1: Circle the Correct Answer
Read the questions and circle the best choice.
- What is the top layer of the Earth where plants grow?
- A) Rock
- B) Water
- C) Soil
- D) Sky
- Which type of soil has the largest, grittiest particles?
- A) Clay
- B) Silt
- C) Sand
- D) Loam
- Which soil feels smooth and silky, like flour, when it is dry?
- A) Silt
- B) Sand
- C) Gravel
- D) Clay
- Which soil type feels sticky when wet and is used to make pottery?
- A) Sand
- B) Clay
- C) Loam
- D) Humus
- What is the best type of soil for growing most garden plants?
- A) Pure Clay
- B) Pure Sand
- C) Loam
- D) Rocks
- What is humus?
- A) A type of rock
- B) Another word for sand
- C) A funny joke
- D) Dark, rich material from decayed plants and animals
- Which of these is NOT a main ingredient of soil?
- A) Tiny pieces of rock
- B) Air
- C) Plastic
- D) Water
- An earthworm helps the soil by:
- A) Eating all the plants
- B) Making tunnels that let in air and water
- C) Making the soil hard and dry
- D) Taking all the nutrients
- If you pour water into a cup of sand, the water will:
- A) Sit on top
- B) Turn into sand
- C) Drain through very quickly
- D) Drain through very slowly
- Loam is a mixture of:
- A) Sand, silt, and clay
- B) Only sand and water
- C) Only clay and rocks
- D) Only silt and air
Part 2: True or False?
Read each sentence. If it is true, circle True. If it is false, circle False.
- All soil is the same color.
True / False
- Clay soil has the smallest particles.
True / False
- Plants can grow without any soil at all.
True / False
- Soil is not important for animals.
True / False
- The different layers of soil are called horizons.
True / False
Part 3: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words in the box to complete the sentences.
- The soil that feels gritty and is found at the beach is called __________________.
- A gardener's favorite soil is usually __________________ because it's a mix of all three types.
- Sticky __________________ soil holds water so well that it can sometimes drown plants.
- Tiny animals like __________________ are great helpers that keep the soil healthy.
- Plant __________________ grow down into the soil to find water and nutrients.
Part 4: Thinking About Soil
Write or draw your answers in the spaces below.
- Why is soil important? Give one reason.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
- Name two animals that live in the soil.
1. ______________________ 2. ______________________
- If you could feel sandy soil and clay soil with your hands, what is one difference you would notice?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
- What is your favorite food that grows in soil?
____________________________________________________________________
- Why is loam soil so good for growing plants?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
- Draw a picture of a flower growing in healthy soil. Make sure to draw the roots under the ground.
- If you were a tiny beetle, what would it be like to crawl through sandy soil?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
- What do you think would happen if there was no more soil on Earth?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
- Draw the three main soil particles in order from biggest to smallest. Label them.
- What is one way we can help take care of our soil?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Part 1: Circle the Correct Answer
- C) Soil
- C) Sand
- A) Silt
- B) Clay
- C) Loam
- D) Dark, rich material from decayed plants and animals
- C) Plastic
- B) Making tunnels that let in air and water
- C) Drain through very quickly
- A) Sand, silt, and clay
Part 2: True or False?
- False
- True
- False (While some plants can, like in hydroponics, for this age group and general knowledge, this is considered false).
- False
- True
Part 3: Fill in the Blanks
- Sand
- Loam
- Clay
- Worms
- Roots
Part 4: Thinking About Soil (Sample Answers)
- Why is soil important? Sample Answer: It helps us grow food; It is a home for animals; It holds plants in place.
- Name two animals that live in the soil. Sample Answer: Worms, ants, beetles, moles, groundhogs.
- If you could feel sandy soil and clay soil... what is one difference? Sample Answer: Sandy soil would feel rough and gritty. Clay soil would feel smooth or sticky.
- What is your favorite food that grows in soil? Answers will vary. Examples: Carrots, potatoes, strawberries, corn.
- Why is loam soil so good for growing plants? Sample Answer: It holds enough water but also drains well. It has a good mix of everything plants need.
- Draw a flower... Drawing should show a plant with visible roots below the ground line.
- If you were a tiny beetle... crawl through sandy soil? Sample Answer: It would be easy to move because the pieces are big and there are lots of spaces.
- What do you think would happen if there was no more soil? Sample Answer: We wouldn't be able to grow food; Many plants would die; Animals wouldn't have homes.
- Draw the three main soil particles... Drawing should show a large circle labeled "Sand," a medium dot labeled "Silt," and a tiny dot labeled "Clay."
- What is one way we can help take care of our soil? Sample Answer: Don't litter; Plant trees; Don't pull all the plants out.