1. True Grit in the Third Grade 2008 MSP Science Workshop On Soils By Bill White

2. Students in the third grade are active and inquisitive. They are primarily concrete learners, acquiring knowledge through hands on experiences. Students in the third grade are active and inquisitive. They are primarily concrete learners, acquiring knowledge through hands on experiences.

4. Standards Addressed in this Unit 1. Focus Standards: S3E1 Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils. 2. Use observation to compare the similarities and differences of texture, particle size, and color in topsoil (such as clay, loam potting soil, and sand).

5. Supporting Standards: o S3CS1 o S3CS2 o S3CS3 o S3CS4 o S3CS5 o S3CS6 o S3CS7 o S3CS8 o ELA3Ra o ELA3Rg o ELA3Rh o ELA3W1c o ELA3W1d o ELA3W1j o ELA3LSV1d o M3M2b o M3MD1

6. Enduring Understandings Soil is composed of weathered rock, air, water, and humus. Soil is composed of weathered rock, air, water, and humus. There are three basic types of soil, each with different characteristics. There are three basic types of soil, each with different characteristics. Scientist classify soils by observation and simple test. Scientist classify soils by observation and simple test.

7. Essential Questions How do scientist classify soils? How do scientist classify soils? How is soil formed? How is soil formed?

8. Overview of Concepts In this unit, students discover that soil contains both inorganic and organic material. In this unit, students discover that soil contains both inorganic and organic material. The organic component is humus, which is composed of the decayed remains of plants and animals. The organic component is humus, which is composed of the decayed remains of plants and animals. The inorganic component is composed of fragments of rocks and minerals of different grain sizes. It includes gravel, sand, and clay. The inorganic component is composed of fragments of rocks and minerals of different grain sizes. It includes gravel, sand, and clay. Each of the components of soil has unique properties, which can be indentified by observing soil samples closely and by performing simple test. Each of the components of soil has unique properties, which can be indentified by observing soil samples closely and by performing simple test.

9. Misconceptions Rocks and soil are the same all over Georgia. Rocks and soil are the same all over Georgia. The Proper Conceptions: Georgia has a wide variety of rocks and soil. The Proper Conceptions: Georgia has a wide variety of rocks and soil.

10. CONCEPTS: Scientific test can be used to determine the identity of rocks, minerals, and soils. KNOW & DO: Describe the physical attributes of soils; Perform simple tests on soils; Classify soils based on student observations; Compare and contrast types of soils (clay, sand, loam); Apply skills to perform science investigations; Use a graduated cylinder; Analyze and communicate results of soil testing.. LANGUAGE: Organic, inorganic, minerals, gravel, texture, grain size, particle size, color, absorption, humus, loam, clay. EVIDENCE of LEARNING: Chart; Notes on observations from tests on soil; Chart of soil classification; Comparison/contrast of soils in Science journal; Notes from scientific investigations/test on soils, using a graduated cylinder; Results of GRASPS task

11. Culminating Activity GRASPS GRASPS GOAL: You will use various test and observations to asses a soil sample. GOAL: You will use various test and observations to asses a soil sample. ROLE: You are a soil county extension agent ROLE: You are a soil county extension agent AUDIENCE: You will communicate your findings to a farmer with soil samples. AUDIENCE: You will communicate your findings to a farmer with soil samples. SCENARIO: You must analyze the soil samples to find out where crops would best grow on the farmer’s land. SCENARIO: You must analyze the soil samples to find out where crops would best grow on the farmer’s land. PRODUCT: Create a soil analysis. PRODUCT: Create a soil analysis. STANDARD: Your analysis should use observation and simple test to identify soil characteristic and types. STANDARD: Your analysis should use observation and simple test to identify soil characteristic and types.

12. General Safety Guidelines Each student is responsible for practicing safe classroom procedures. Each student is responsible for practicing safe classroom procedures. Every substance in science class should be treated as a chemical, even if it is a common food. Every substance in science class should be treated as a chemical, even if it is a common food. Always wash hands before leaving science class. Always wash hands before leaving science class. No disruptive or dangerous behavior will be tolerated in the science room. No disruptive or dangerous behavior will be tolerated in the science room.

13. Preparation is the key element of teaching and especially in science. Be prepared!