The Education & Outreach Department at AGI works with many partners to enhance knowledge of the geosciences and geoscience careers. Our work emphasizes the vitality of the geosciences in today’s world. AGI is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) to develop and encourage the use of K-12 educational resources related to soils.
Table of Contents:
Soil Science Workshop for Educators
Join AGI and NRCS for an immersive Soil Science Workshop for middle and high school science teachers. The workshop will take place June 24-27, 2024 at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, Wisconsin.
The workshop is designed to deepen participants' understanding of soil science and its integration into curricula. The workshop will be run in conjunction with the North Central Regional Soil Survey Conference. Participants will have the change to attend presentations by and interact with soil scientists and other educators during the conference, including a day-long field excursion.
Overview of Events:
- June 12: 1-hour webinar to prepare for the experience
- June 24: Arrive in Platteville, WI; opening reception
- June 25: Conference presentations
- June 26: Field excursion
- June 27: Soil Science Workshop wrap up; depart Platteville, WI.
*Apply to be part of this immersive workshop about soil science here*
Review of applications will begin April 26 and will continue until the workshop is filled. Participants will be provided with conference registration, room, and board for the duration of the workshop and will also be reimbursed us to $800 for travel expenses.
Get out in the field with a soil scientist through the Teacher Field Experience program
Work with a soil scientist through NRCS's new program, Teacher Field Experience. AGI will connect you with a local soil scientist for an enlightening day out in the field and/or laboratory where you will get the inside scoop on what a soil scientist does. Participating teachers will:
- Prepare for the field experience with guidance from AGI and NRCS.
- Share your experiences and insights with your students and/or colleagues.
- Implement a soil-related lesson and/or unit, documenting students’ work and engagement.
- Receive a $300 stipend for preparation and contributions outside of instructional time, along with reimbursements up to $50 for materials and up to $150 for mileage.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your teaching and inspire lifelong learning about the wonders of soil science! Contact lbrase@americangeosciences.org for more information and to take part in the program. Currently, the program is being piloted in Illinois and Wisconsin, but will be expanding across the country soon! Reach out to express interest and ensure the TFE program expands to your area.
Come join us for a Teacher Field Experience on May 7, 2024 in Crystal Lake, IL.
Email lbrase@americangeosciences.org by April 30 to express your interest in taking part in the program.
Earth Science Education Activities
Observing Impacts to Communities Built on Permafrost
Impacts of Groundcover on the Erodibility of Soil
Soil erosion can be detrimental to soil productivity and can release carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide or methane. Erosion can occur through water or wind action. How easily a soil can erode is called its erodibility. There are many factors that influence the erodibility of soil, one of which is groundcover. Soil that is covered in grass or plants is said to have groundcover, whereas bare soil lacks groundcover.
In this lesson, students will investigate how groundcover impacts soil erosion through a hands-on activity and can analyze a local soil erodibility map in the lesson extension.
The PDF file of activty can be found here. Instructions for creating a soil erodibility map on Web Soil Survey can be found here.
How Soil Texture Varies Across the Southern United States
Soil is a naturally occurring mixture of minerals, water, air, and organic material. The minerals in soil are different sized particles of sand (the largest), silt, and clay (the smallest). The relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay make up what is called soil texture. The texture is one thing that influences how soil behaves, how water moves through it, and what soil can be used for.
In this lesson, students will explore how soil texture varies near different bodies of water by analyzing soil maps in three U.S. cities.
The PDF file of activty can be found here
Exploring Organic Matter in Soil
Organic matter in soil is is indispensable for soil health and ecosystem vitality, as it actively participates in nutrient cycling, soil structure maintenance, water retention, erosion prevention, and carbon sequestration. It fosters a thriving community of soil organisms, supports robust plant growth, and significantly contributes to mitigating climate change by storing carbon dioxide. Comprehensive knowledge of organic matter dynamics is crucial for implementing sustainable land management practices, optimizing agricultural productivity, and safeguarding ecosystem resilience against environmental stressors worldwide.
In this lesson, students will explore how organic matter varies in soils near Chicago, IL.
The PDF file of the activity can be found here
Urban Agriculture Scavenger Hunt
Soil in urban areas is a valuable resource, especially with the world’s ever-growing population. Urban agriculture allows for the development of a variety of environmental, economic, and social benefits to the surrounding communities. Urban areas have unique challenges with agriculture, including limited resources and pollution. Innovative urban agriculture practices help to overcome these challenges.
In this activity, students will explore urban agricultural practices in their community.
The PDF file of activty can be found here
Web Soil Survey Crossword Puzzle
The NRCS provides access to soil-related data and interpretations across America through Web Soil Survey. Users can select an area of interest and create a variety of soil-related maps.
In this activity, students will explore Web Soil Survey soil maps and then complete a crossword puzzle describing the different data and interpretations that can be explored on application.
The PDF file of activty can be found here
Web Soil Survey Teacher Guides
Web Soil Survey can be a powerful instructional tool for eductors who become familiar with the platform and discern relevant soil interpretations aligning with their curriculum. Tailored guides for thematic topics like climate change, natural hazards, and water processes offer educators a wealth of resrources. These guides not only streamline the exploration of specific maps but also provide information and interactive learning activities. By leveraging Web Soil Survey and the guides, educators can incorporate local soil data into their teaching, providing students with experiences and practical insights that are relevant to their community.
Visit Web Soil Survey and begin exploring!
Introduction to Web Soil Survey
Climate Dynamics
NRCS Resources
Visit the NRCS Soil Health Education and Outreach page for lesson plans, educator guides, soil quality test kits, soil health posters, and other educational resources about soil health.
View all of NRCS's educational resources through AGI's Education Geosource NRCS Curated Collection.