From the Curriculum:

Soil is not just dirt but an essential source of life and nutrients for many organisms, including humans. Soil provides a base for forests, fields, farms, and gardens and is necessary to many different kinds of animals and plants. Through investigations, students will learn that soils are composed of a variety of living and non-living things and earth materials; that there are different kinds of soil; and that the unique characteristics, composition, and condition of each soil type determine its capacity to sustain life. As they learn about the importance of soils, students will also learn about ways to maintain healthy soil conditions, including the process of composting.

Big Ideas:

• Soil is made up of living and non-living things;
• The composition, characteristics, and condition of soil determine its capacity to sustain life;
• Soil is an essential source of life and nutrients for many living things;
• Living things, including humans, interact with soils and can cause positive or negative changes.