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The Dirt on Dirt

Grades 3 - 5

We walk on it, see it blowing in the wind, grow our food in it. Soil! But what is it, really? Guide students through an exciting exploration of the soil beneath their feet wrapped up in 5E lesson plans where students investigate through active learning, then apply their new knowledge to soil as a resource, its importance, and how we can conserve it.

Leveled Readers are available in four Lexile Measures, distinguished by a color key on the back of each reader.

Lexile Levels
Blue
 Lexile Measure Range 900-1050
Purple
 Lexile Measure Range 750-900
Red
 Lexile Measure Range 600-750
Yellow
 Lexile Measure Range 450-600

Driving Question

What happens to soil when people use it or build on it and why might we care?

Anchor Phenomenon

Soil can be reclaimed and restored to properties that make it useful in an area.

  Investigative Phenomena
–Focus Questions		 Real-World Phenomena
Lesson 1
Soil Composition		 Focus Question What is soil made of? Real-World Phenomena
  • Soils have various properties, such as texture, color, and odor.
Lesson 2
Soil Components		 Focus Question How do the amounts of different materials affect the properties of soils? Real-World Phenomena
  • Soils are made up of different components.
Lesson 3
Soil and Water		 Focus Question How does water move through different types of soil? Real-World Phenomena
  • Soils differ in their permeability and rates of absorption of water.
Lesson 4
Soil Layers		 Focus Question What does a soil profile show and how are they used? Real-World Phenomena
  • Soil formation is a very slow process, occurring over many thousands of years.
Lesson 5
Soil as a Natural Resource		 Focus Question How is soil used and what can affect its quality? Real-World Phenomena
  • Soil is a vital natural resource.
Lesson 6
Saving Soil		 Focus Question How can soil be protected or made useful again after negative impacts? Real-World Phenomena
  • People can take action to conserve and restore soil.

Name Item Number Unit Price Quantity
The Dirt on Dirt Complete Kit 2004232 $619.00
The Dirt on Dirt Refill Kit 2018734 $252.00
The Dirt on Dirt Teacher Guide 2004212 $79.00
The Dirt on Dirt Science Notebook, Pack of 4 2004228 $11.96
The Dirt on Dirt Blue Reader, Pack of 4 2004213 $23.80
The Dirt on Dirt Purple Reader, Pack of 4 2004207 $23.80
The Dirt on Dirt Red Reader, Pack of 4 2004209 $23.80
The Dirt on Dirt Yellow Reader, Pack of 4 2004208 $23.80
The Dirt on Dirt Reader Sample Pack of 4 (1 of each Lexile Level) 2014018 $23.80