Pose questions and make predictions about the characteristics and composition of soils that lead to exploration and investigation (e.g., What colours are soil? What does soil feel like? Where does soil come from? Is there water in soil?).

Examine physical characteristics (e.g., particle size, texture, moisture, particle size distribution, colour, and ability to hold together) of soils from different locations (e.g., garden, flower pot, river bed, slough, hill top, grassy field, lawn, ditch, and forest) in their environment.

Classify soils in their environment according to location and type (e.g., clay, sand, silt, and loam).

Analyze soil samples using tools such as spoons, hand lenses, jars, and filters appropriately and safely.

Make and record observations and measurements in investigations related to soil composition using techniques such as notes in point form, diagrams, tables, bar graphs, photographs, and video.

Make predictions about the capability of different types of soil to absorb water and test these predictions through exploration and investigation.

Collect and display data, using tables and bar graphs, to show the amount of water absorbed by different types of soil.

Sort soil samples according to one or more physical characteristics such as texture, ability to absorb water, particle size, and colour.

Communicate procedures and results of investigations related to the testing of water absorption of soils using drawings, demonstrations, and oral and written descriptions.

Propose answers to initial questions related to soil composition based on the results of personal investigations.