Inquiries in Science® Environmental Science Series - Help your students understand hard-to-grasp science concepts. Using a learning cycle of Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate, each kit features lab activities designed to actively engage students in learning essential science concepts through guided inquiry. Topics addressed by the kits were organized and selected based on data from numerous sources, including the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards, AAAS's Project 2061 Science Benchmarks, NAEP's Science Framework, and state science education standards from across the US.

The Saving Soils Kit includes: Lab supplies plus a teacher’s manual with instructions Background information Reproducible student sheets Common student misconceptions Student questions Extension activities Suggestions for differentiated instruction Suggestions for community action Kit Refill replenishes kit consumables.

• Demonstrate soil characteristics with easy-to-perform activities
• Sample runoff water to quantitatively evaluate erosion control
• Relate soil properties to sustainable agricultural practices

Grades 9–12.  :Students explore the formation of soil and its physical properties when it reacts with water. Performing 3 different activities over 2 lab periods, students investigate weathering of rocks, particle size composition of local soils, and the rate of permeability of different soil samples. They then apply their knowledge to construct a model of a slope that has been cleared for farming and design a plan that modifies the slope to reduce erosion.

Part of the Inquiries in Science™ series. Materials are sufficient for 30 students working in groups.