Rocks
What is the hard material that makes up mountains and can be small like pebbles or big like boulders?
rocks
What is soil made from?
Small pieces of rock and dead plant and animal parts (organic matter).
Which soil type feels gritty and has large particles: sand, silt, or clay?
sand
What is one thing people grow in soil?
Plants or food
Which is smaller: pebble or boulder?
pebble
Name one thing that can make rocks look different from each other.
color, size, shape, texture
What do we call tiny pieces of rock that help make soil?
Particles such as sand, silt, or clay.
Which soil type holds water best: sand, silt, or clay?
clay
What building material can be made from soil mixed with water and baked or dried?
Bricks (for example, adobe or clay bricks made from soil).
What do we call dead plant and animal parts in soil that help plants grow?
organic matter
True or False: Rocks are only found on Earth.
False (rocks are found on other planets and moons too).
Describe one way dead plants help form soil.
They break down and add nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
What soil color often shows it has lots of organic material?
Dark brown or black.
Name two animals that live in or on soil.
Earthworms and ants (also insects, moles).
Why might clay soil make it hard to dig a garden?
It is dense and sticky and doesn't break apart easily.
What are the two most likely causes of the weathering of rock?
rain, wind, roots
Explain in one sentence how soil forms from rocks and living things.
Rocks break into small pieces and dead plants and animals mix with them to make soil.
If soil lets water pass through quickly, is it a good choice for planting vegetables? Explain briefly.
Not always; it may drain too fast and not hold enough water for plants (you may need to add organic matter).
How does soil help keep water clean?
Soil can filter water as it moves through the ground by trapping particles and breaking down pollutants.
Give one reason why different soils are better for different plants.
Different plants need different amounts of water, nutrients, and space for roots.
Give two examples of where you can find rocks in nature.
River beds and mountains (also beaches, roadsides, yards, gardens).
Why is soil important for plants?
It gives plants nutrients, support, and water to grow.
How would you test soil texture using your hands?
Rub soil between your fingers — gritty means sand, smooth means silt, sticky means clay.
Describe one way humans can protect soil so it stays healthy for plants.
Add compost to add organic matter (also plant cover crops, avoid erosion, don't remove topsoil).
Soil is important because it provides water and _______ to a plant
nutrients