AIM: What is Soil? Do Now: What processes creates the small rocks in soil? List what else you might find in soil.

I. Parts of Earth’s Crust Layers of soil are called Horizons. most weathered material rich with minerals, nutrients and organic matter (Horizon A) Soil/top soil some organic material, mostly plant roots. (Horizon B) Weathered Bedrock Physical and Chemical weathering break down the bedrock into pieces. (Horizon C) Bedrock Solid layer of rock below the soil. (Parent Material)

II. Soil Composition Mineral matter (parent rock) Humus: organic material (from living things) Water Air

- It was brought here by glaciers 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. III. Soil Formation Residual Soil - created by the weathering of parent material (bedrock) Transported Soil - brought from another place by erosion. - Long Island is made of transported soils from Canada and the New England area. - It was brought here by glaciers 20,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Factors that effect soil formation: Time – Thicker soils indicate more weathering has occurred. Parent Material – determines the mineral composition of the soil. Climate – rainfall and temperature will determine the amount of weathering, erosion and organic material.

refers to the size of the particles and the amount of moisture. IV. Soil Texture refers to the size of the particles and the amount of moisture. Determine which soil is drier? More suitable for plants? Composed of more sand? Chemically Weathered? Physically weathered? A B C

Closure: Obtain a “Soil” worksheet from the back bottom bin and complete it with your partner sitting next to you.

Closure 2: Log onto E-back and under the “Assignments” folder find and complete the Brain Pop Soils assignment.