If small group work is possible, have the children work in them to decide on a classification and sort their rocks. If this is not possible help the student to create their own system. The parent sets up the following experiments for the students so they can observe the effects of water and wind on soil. The parent fills a cookie sheet with soil, places it on a newspaper, and fans the dry soil. The parent fills one end of a cake pan with soil, tilts the pan, and pours water into the raised end.
Students observe the water picking up the soil and carrying it to the low end of the pan.
Students observe how much soil is lost. Have the student go outside with a trowel and a plastic sheet. Ask them to dig a small hole and put the soil on the plastic sheet. Compare the charts of different family members and try to reach a consensus on what the living and non-living components of soil are. Weather and Seasons Weather and seasonal changes affect all plants and animals.