• Identify things found in the soil.

Activity

Arrange the students in groups and have them brainstorm to create a list of living things found in the soil. After 15 minutes, list their results on chart paper. As a class discuss their selections until you are in agreement as to which organisms belong and which should be eliminated from the list.

Have the students classify their selections eg. burrowing animals, insectivores, root crops, etc.

Have the students make modeling clay figures of the living things eg. carrot, earthworm, mole, etc.

Set up a layered soil display and have the students position their living organism models in the appropriate layer of soil.

Assessment Tips from Old Tom the Turtle

• Circulate, observe, and ask questions as each child participates in the activities.
• Observe the child's social interactions with other class members.