Module 3: Nature and Soil- Science 1A - Course Guide

Module Overview:

Students will use simple tools and senses to observe nature in this module. They will classify and arrange objects of nature. Students will observe and compare different types of soil and explain the importance of soil for growth.

Module Materials:

Lesson # Lesson Title Material(s)
1 Observing and Classifying Nature magnifying glass
old sheet or towel
wax paper
electric iron
items from nature walk
scissors
glue
crayons or colored pencils
pen or pencil
2 Explore Soil gardening tools (shovel, trowel, rake)
glass jars, 2 with metal lids, (medium and large)
soil samples from outside
food coloring
scissors
glue
crayons or colored pencils
pen or pencil

Module Objectives:

Lesson # Lesson Title Objective(s)
1 Observing and Classifying Nature
  1. Use simple tools and senses to observe nature.
  2. Classify and arrange objects of nature.
2 Explore Soil
  1. Observe and compare different types of soil.
  2. Explain the importance of soil for growth.

Module Key Words:

Key Words
nature
leaves
classify
soil
sand
properties
nonliving

Module Assignments:

Lesson # Lesson Title Page # Assignment Title
1 Observing and Classifying Nature 6 Observing and Classifying Nature Assignment
2 Explore Soil 5 Explore Soil Assignment

Learning Coach Notes:

None

Module Guiding Questions:

When a student starts a lesson ask them questions to check for prior knowledge and understanding and to review concepts being taught. At the end of the lesson ask the questions again to see if their answer changes.

Lesson Title Question
Observing and Classifying Nature
  1. What are some ways you can observe and classify nature?
Explore Soil
  1. What is soil?

Module Video Questions:

When a student watches a video take time to ask them questions about what they watched. Suggested questions for the videos in this module are listed here. Suggestion: Have the student watch the entire video first all the way through. Then have them watch the video a second time, as they watch it pause the video and ask the questions.

Lesson Title Video Question
Observing and Classifying Nature Exploring Nature with our Senses
  1. What senses can you use to explore nature?
  2. What does it mean to classify?
  3. Why is a magnifying glass a useful tool?
Explore Soil Super Soil
  1. What is compost?
  2. Why is soil important for life on Earth?
  3. What is the best soil for plants?
  4. Why do plants need soil?
  5. How is soil created?

Module Suggested Read Aloud Books:

Take time to read to your student or have them read aloud to you. Read a different book each day. While reading the book point out concepts being taught. You may purchase these books or find them at your local library. Suggested things to discuss while reading the book:

  • What is the main idea?
  • What are three things new you learned?
  • How does this book relate to what you are learning about?

# Book Author Lexile Level
1 Dirt: The Scoop on Soil Natalie Myra Rosinsky

Module Outing:

Take some time to apply what your student is learning to the real world. Suggested outings are below.

# Outing