Age range suitability 7 or 8yrs and upwards (dependent on reading ability and following instructions) Suitable for modification for alternative age range: Yes
If yes, how?
Just simplify the soil assessment activity by not using the sheet and just give a few verbal instructions and talk about sand and clay in simplistic terms. Probably wouldn’t do this below age 4+.
Objective/s To develop an understanding of the links between soil types and possible food growing outcomes.
Identified F4F
growing principles
- Soil health
- Fun & inclusive
- Promoting sustainable growing techniques (starting with the basics)
Materials required
A range of soil samples characterized by their content of ; clay, sand and silt.
A4 Soil assessment chart (see attached)
Samples of compost – different types eg. Seedling, multipurpose and organic farmyard manure
Quick growing seeds, such as salad or radishes perhaps
A few pots
Water
labels
Method/steps
Tell participants you are going to look at different soil types and tell the group that good quality soil is important for growing food. You will be exploring the ‘why’ through activities. Give everyone a soil assessment chart. Each person takes a small lump/quantity of soil and follows the steps on the chart. Easiest to do this as a group, with tutor leading. This will minimize any issues individuals may have with literacy and understanding. Participants will find they are likely to either have sandy or clay type soil, this will be established through a process of physical manipulation, i.e can it form a ball, does it collapse if pinched between finger and thumb ect.
Next, get the group to dig a small hole and fill with water, see how long it takes for the water to drain away, discuss here the importance of water, moisture and drainage. (Language will need to be modified according to ages) Look out for worms and talk about the important job they do of breaking up the soil to make a nice crumb!
Next move on to talk about organic matter and why it is important to add to soil for drainage and moisture purposes. Get the group to have a look and feel different types of compost, soil and manure to help them compare and contrast.
If time allows and you are working with a consistent group of children and families, it may be possible to do a little experiment by sowing a few identical seeds using different soils and compost to observe over the coming weeks whether one set does better than another. Quick growing crops may be more suitable, so that younger children can watch week by week what happens. Don’t forget to label the samples with their growing medium.
Learning outcomes and evidence
Participants will be able to recognize different types of soil
They will understand the importance of organic matter for soil improvement
They will develop confidence in sowing & growing througha step by step approach, beginning with soil issues.
Additional comment (tips/recommendations)
A variation on this activity, for older children and adults, might include pH testing