*UNPACKED STANDARDS: FOR TEACHER USE ONLY!*Forces deep inside Earth and at the surface produce a slow cycle that builds, destroys, and changes the rocks in the crust. Plate movements start the rock cycle by helping to form magma, the source of igneous rocks. Plate movements also cause faulting, folding and other motions of the crust that help to form sedimentary and metamorphic rock. Minerals form as hot magma cools inside the crust, or as lava hardens on the surface. When these liquids cool to a solid state, they form crystals. When elements and compounds that are dissolved in water leave a solution, crystallization of minerals occurs. Soil is a mixture of: rock particles, minerals, decayed organic matter, water and air. Soil forms as rock is broken down by weathering and mixes with other materials on the surface.

6.E.2.4 The environment may contain dangerous levels of substances that are harmful to human beings. Therefore, the good health of individuals requires monitoring the soil, air, and water and taking steps to make these factors safe for all organisms. Evaluate ways in which human activities have affected Earth’s pedosphere and the measures taken to control the impact: vegetative cover, agriculture such as (contour plowing, conservation plowing), land use, nutrient balance (crop rotation), soil as a vector. Technology, such as remote sensing, has allowed humans to better study the human impact on soil quality and erosional processes so that the soil can be protected and preserved. Over time, remote sensing information can tell us how humans are constantly changing the surface of the Earth and what impact these changes are likely to produce. Technologies can also assist in finding ways to help prevent erosion. It is important that humans be stewards of the pedosphere.

Today’s Do-Now:

January 23, 2014Page:Title: LEQ: Which soil type is best for supporting and producing plant life? Explain your reasoning.

Standard: 6.E.2.3

Directions: Look back at your rocks guided notes on page _ of your notebook. Answer the following questions in FULL SENTENCES which RESTATE the question!

What are the three types of rock? (1 sentence)

How is each rock type formed? (3 sentences)

#CHARGE question for early finishers: Below is a picture of the Grand Canyon.

How do you think the Grand Canyon was formed?

SOIL and SOIL PROPERTIES

Today’s Objective: MASTERY of 6.E.2.3!

By the end of the day, we will be able to

- Name/describe the three types of soil

- Describe each of the three main soil properties

- Understand that soil properties affect their ability to support plant growth

Soil is a renewable resource

made from weathered rocks and minerals,

humus, air and water

“Renewable

Resource”

means that

nature

continues to

create it.

“Renewable

Resource”

means that

nature

continues to

create it.

How is soil formed?• As rocks are broken

down into smaller and smaller pieces through weathering, they get mixed up with other materials.

• Soil is a mixture of rock sediments, minerals, humus, air and water

WeatheringIs the breaking down of rock into

smaller pieces by the action of wind, rain, and temperature change.

EROSIONis the movement of sediment and rock

to new places.

Q: How did the Grand Canyon form?

A: Erosion and weathering from the Colorado River over about 6 million years!

Grand Canyon

Humus• The organic (once living) matter in soil.

• Made up of the decaying plant and animal matter such as leaves, roots, etc.

• This organic material can also be called humus

• Humus helps make soil fertile (capable of growing life)

Worm poop makes for very good humus!

What is ?Pronounced “Hyoo-mus!”

A soil profile shows the layers of soil as seen from the side.

Soil is divided into 3 main layers: topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock.

Top soil

Subsoil

Bedrock

Layers of Soil

Layer Organic Matter

Color Nutrients

Topsoil High Dark High

Subsoil Low Light Low

Weathered bedrock Lowest Lightest Lowest

Texture is the way a soil particle feels when rubbed between the fingers. The size of the rocks inside the soil can determine the texture.

Texture is the way a soil particle feels when rubbed between the fingers. The size of the rocks inside the soil can determine the texture.

Water Retention: means how well a soil can hold waterWater Retention: means how well a soil can hold water

Soil Fertility means how well a soil can support plant growth.Soil Fertility means how well a soil can support plant growth.

There are 4 types of soil: CLAY:

-Has the smallest particles

-Has good water storage qualities.

-It’s sticky to the touch when wet, but smooth when dry.

-little air passes through its spaces.

-Clay soil is rich in plant food for better growth.

There are 4 types of soil:

SANDY:-Has the largest particles among the different soil types.

-Dry and gritty to the touch

-Lots of space between particles

There are 3 types of soil: SILTY:

-Has medium sized particles, so it’s smooth to the touch.

- Silty soil retains water longer, but it can’t hold on to nutrients as much as you’d want it to though it’s fairly fertile.

There are 3 types of soil:

LOAMY:-Contains a balance of all three soil materials—silt, sand and clay—plus humus.

- Loam is dark in color and is soft, dry and crumbly in your hands.

Comparing properties of the different soil types:Comparing properties of the different soil types:

Use your notes and chart to independently answer this question

in your notebook:

Which soil type (sandy, clay, or loamy) is best for growing plants? What

properties/characteristics make this true?