Use a soil core or a shovel to collect several layers of soil. Place it in a clear baby food or pickle jar. Prior Knowledge 1. Ask students if they have ever dug into the soil. Tell the students that many living things use the soil as homes.
Plants use the nutrients from rocks, minerals and decaying plants and animals as food to grow on.
Worms, ants and moles dig tunnels deep down to use as homes and nests for babies. Tortoises may hibernate in winter within the deeper layers of the soil. Share with Neighbor 2. Show each group the soil samples. Have them make some observations.