Use this interactive graphic organiser with your students to explore their ideas about the components of soil. Place each image where you think it belongs. This activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole class.
What makes up soil? – graphic organiser
Is part of the soil
Is not part of the soil
Not sure
Unused items
Use this interactive to explore what students already know about soil and encourage student thinking and discussion.
Place the image cards where you think they belong. You can move the image cards from one place to another, if you change your mind. Note: if the image card has not changed to a blue background, check it is fully within a box. When you are ready, click the Check answers button to check your ideas, then click the Reset incorrect button to try again
Use the Download exercise button for a PDF of the diagram and images.
See the What makes up soil? activity for additional support in using this interactive.
Image acknowledgements
Pebbles by Joanbanjo. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Drops Impact by Marlon Felippe. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Clay-ss-2005 by Siim. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Leaf litter by Mokkie. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Concrete Casting Defect Blowhole by Elgewen – Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons 1.0
Two diamonds by Washington Diamonds Corporation/Inbal-Tania Studio. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Turtle plushie by Anil Öztas. Licensed under CC-BY-SA-3.0-de
Microbes, earthworms and dead insects, © The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato