We Dig Dirt

A Mini-Unit on Soil

nvan

What is the Dirt on Dirt?

Dirt is made from rocks, plants, and animals which have broken down into smaller pieces with time and weather. Sand is made only from rocks (or shells) which have broken down into tiny pieces. Another name for dirt is soil. Mud is wet dirt. Dirt varies in texture and color. It can have a tint of red, yellow, blue, brown or black. Underground dirt is the home to many animals and insects. Some of these are the worm, ant, and mole. People sometimes use dirt for their homes. Mud mixed with grass and straw, and then baked, is called adobe. Bricks are made in a similar way. Plants need dirt in which to grow.

Attributes of Dirt

Dirt

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has

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A Look at My Dirt Sample

Make A Paper Microscope Slide

You Need: 2 pieces of clear tape, paper punch one index card, foam or paper plate. Samples of sand or soil Cut the index card into four strips. Each strip should measure 1 X 3. Punch a hole using a paper punch in the middle of the strip. Place one piece of clear tape on the bottom of each strip so it covers the window. Turn the slide over so the sticky part of the tape is now filling the window and is facing up. Place the sticky side into sand or soil sample on the plate. Small grains should stick to the tape. After trapping the sand or soil on the sticky slide, place another piece of clear tape over the particles. This will secure it in place. Place slide under microscope. Observe differences. Record your observations.

An Even Closer Look at My Dirt Sample

Name_____________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

The Dirt on My Dirt

Steve Van Zandt and The Banana Slug String Band

Dirt Made My Lunch

Dirt is a word that we often use, When we're talkin' about the earth beneath our shoes. It's a place where plants can sink their toes; In a little while a garden grows. A farmer's plow will tickle the ground, You know the earth has laughed when wheat is found. The grain is taken and flour is ground, For making a sandwich to munch on down. A stubby green beard grows upon the land, Out of the soil the grass will stand. But under hoof it must bow, For making milk by way of a cow. Dirt made my lunch, Dirt made my lunch. Thank you Dirt, thanks a bunch, For my salad, my sandwich My milk and my munch 'cause Dirt, you made my lunch.

Author unknown Five little pigs rolled in the mud. Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good. The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice. Four little pigs rolled in the mud. Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good. The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice. Two little pigs rolled in the mud. Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good. The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice. One little pig rolled in the mud. Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good. The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice. No little pigs rolled in the mud. They all looked nice and clean. The farmer turned his back and what do you know! All those little pigs jumped back in the mud.

Five Little Pigs

Soil + Water = MUD!!!! The best thing about mud is___________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ___________________________

Serves 1 3 tbsp. instant chocolate pudding 1/2 cup milk 2 chocolate sandwich cookies Place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag. Use your hands to break the cookies into tiny bits. Pour the milk and the pudding mix into a small jar or a margarine tub with a tightfitting lid. Shake for three minutes. Pour the pudding (mud) into a clear plastic cup. Sprinkle the cookie bits (dirt) on top of the mud. Dig in!

Delicious Mud

Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed Chocolate pudding Milk for making the pudding Cool Whip The amounts needed depend on how much you want to make. Make the pudding as directed. Fold in Cool Whip to make a Mousse consistency. In a bowl, put a layer of crushed oreos on the bottom. Add the pudding mix as the next layer. Put a layer of the crushed oreos on top to make it look like dirt. Add some gummy worms!! Enjoy!

Edible Gardeners Dirt