The Dirt on Soil: Pedology for Beginners
In this 13th lesson of the Let's Explore Earth series, students will learn all about soil! We will cover factors that influence soil formation, soil textures, and we will even be calculating the soil composition of a real soil sample!
Annette Chatzikonstantinou (she/they)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(386)
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Welcome to "The Dirt on Soil: Pedology for Beginners. This is a one-time class where we will delve into the field of pedology: the study of soils! In this class, we will discover what soil is, factors that influence soil formation, different soil textures, and even the difference between soil and dirt. This lesson includes an exciting activity: calculating soil textures! Students will learn about the three main soil textures (sand, silt, and clay), and then learn how to use a soil texture triangle to calculate a soil's texture type. They will put their new skills to use by determining the soil texture of a sample from Ms. Annette's own garden. Students will also be given instructions which will allow them to complete this activity AGAIN at home, using soil from their own gardens or yards! This class is a lecture-style class, with opportunities for class discussion and of course an activity which students will collaborate on. There is no prior knowledge needed to complete this lesson -- only an interest in learning more about our life-giving soils!
Learning Goals
Students will be able to explain what soil is and why it is important. Students will understand the difference between soil and dirt. Students will be able to use provided information about a soil sample to use the soil texture triangle and determine a sample's soil type.
Other Details
Supply List
A handout will be provided to students before class. They should bring the handout to class along with a writing utensil, a ruler, and a calculator.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2020
5.0
386reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Queen’s University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Queen’s University
Hello everyone! My name is Annette and I'm a teacher originally from Toronto, Canada, but currently located in Nicaragua.
I have both passion AND experience teaching a wide variety of science topics. I developed an intense interest in geological and biological sciences from a very young age, and earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours Biology) and a Bachelor of Education, both from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. I have two years' in-school experience teaching Geography, Biology, and General Science for grades 7-13 in Canada and England, and three years of experience teaching English as a Foreign Language online. I’ve been teaching classes in my subject areas here on Outschool for four years. However, I've been working with children in a variety of other settings for over 13 years! Here on Outschool, I offer a range of science classes and courses for approximately 10-16 year olds. I am also queer and I'm VERY passionate about providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming class environment for all of my students. My classroom is a place for all who need a safe space to learn.
*Please note:
-I always do my best to respond to any messages or questions within 24 hours
-All refunds follow Outschool's moderate refund policy. Please contact me directly for extenuating circumstances
-For learners outside of the set age range, or for learners with special requests or needs, feel free to contact me! I always do my best to accommodate every learner.
-All classes are designed to run for the designated amount of time. However, depending on number of learners and learner personalities, class may run slightly over or slightly under time.
-Absolutely NO homophobia, transphobia, racism, or bullying of any kind will be tolerated in my classes. Students who display such behaviour will be immediately removed from class with no refund.
When I'm not teaching I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially surfing and hiking. I also enjoy reading, crocheting, and relaxing with my cat Loki when I’m not outside. I also love travelling and have visited 37 different countries!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-8 learners per class
