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In Soils, students investigate the chief components of soil (sand, clay, and humus) and the relationship between soil and plant growth. They create their own compost bags to observe decomposition of organic materials over time. Students observe and read about earthworms to learn about their connection to plant roots and soil. They also conduct tests to observe and compare such properties of soil as odor, appearance, and texture. Settling, water content, and soil consistency are explored.

Grades 1-3. In Soils, students investigate the chief components of soil-sand, clay, and humus-and explore the relationship between soil and plant growth. Early in the unit, students create their own compost bags. This activity enables them to observe the decomposition of organic materials over time. Students observe and read about earthworms to learn about their connection to plant roots and soil. The students also conduct tests that enable them to observe and compare such properties of soil as odor, appearance, and texture. Phenomena such as settling, water content, and soil consistency are explored. These observations are then related to plant growth, as students plant cucumber seeds in a clear plastic tube. By observing root growth, students learn about the role of roots in keeping the plant anchored and upright. In a final activity, students apply what they have learned to investigate a sample of local garden soil.

STC™ 3rd Edition Soils Two-Use Unit Kit includes:

• Teacher's Guide complete with planning guide, lesson instructions, unit overview with background information, assessment that includes formative and summative assessments, and sections dedicated to notebooking, literacy, and more. Each guide also includes a CD-ROM containing blackline masters, Spanish resources, and other teacher resources
• 8 STC Literacy Series™ books: Soils
• Enough materials to teach a class of 30 students twice
• Technology and Premium Content Web site access for teachers
• 24 copies of Soils KIDS DISCOVER readers