Subject: Science & Technology
Curriculum Strands: Earth & Space Systems
Curriculum Topics: Soils in the Environment/Growth and Changes in Plants
Specific Expectations met by this workshop:
- Assess impacts of soils on society and the environment, and suggest ways in which humans can enhance positive effects and/or lessen or prevent harmful effects.
- Assess the impact of human action on soils, and suggest ways in which humans can affect soils positively and/or lessen or prevent harmful effects on soils.
- Investigate the components of soil, the conditions and additives found in soil, using a variety of soil samples from local environments, and explain how the different amounts of these components in a soil sample determine how the soil can be used
- Investigate the process of composting and explain some advantages and disadvantages of composting
- Identify and describe the different types of soils
- Identify additives that might be in soils but cannot always be seen
- Describe the interdependence between the living and non living things that make up soil
- Assess ways in which plants are important to humans and other living things, taking different points of view into consideration and suggest ways in which humans can protect plants.
- Assess the impact of different human activities on plants, and list personal actions they can engage in to minimize harmful effects and enhance good effects.
- Describe the basic needs of plants, including air, water, light, warmth and space
- Describe how most plants get energy to live directly from the sun
- Describe ways in which plants are grown for food and explain the advantages and disadvantages of locally grown and organically produced food, including environmental benefits
- Identify examples of environmental conditions that may threaten plant and animal survival
Description of EcoHouse Experience:
Students will analyze soil samples, learn the main components of soil, and describe the differences between various types of soil. Students will then participate in a soil porosity and permeability experiment. By playing the Black Eyed Susan seed game students will learn what seeds require in order to germinate, grow and how humans can have a negative impact on this process. This program includes a 60-minute tour of EcoHouse where students will participate in a soil erosion demonstration.
Here’s a virtual peek at our greenhouse room..
To book an education program, email firstname.lastname@example.org or call 905-540-8787 x154.