Living Soils will be delivered over 4 years. It will bring soil to life
for children by developing and delivering engaging and
interesting lessons about soil (normally a very dry subject!) at Primary level. We propose to use a variety of scientifically credible and interesting techniques to enable this delivery
including: building terrariums and burying cotton underpants (a
well recognised soil health test). The project will culminate in the creation of a green wall exhibition of terraria.
Each year we will deliver a series of 3 curriculum linked lessons:
SOIL SENSE
This lesson will focus upon what soils are composed of and their specific properties, so that pupils understand that soils are living things that need to be cared for.
SOIL SCIENCE
This lesson will focus upon the scientific exploration of soil health by creating / testing terrariums. Pupils will be taught how to work scientifically to test the biological, chemical and physical properties of a soil.
SOIL SECURITY
The third lesson will focus upon the importance of soil. During this session we will bury / dig up cotton underpants to demonstrate the biological and chemical activity in soils, showing the children how a dirty pair of draws can tell us a lot about soil health!
This lesson will also talk about why soil health matters (in terms of the environment, human health and climate).
Children involved in the project will be invited to the ‘Celebrating Soils’ events at Durham University.
