LEARNING ACTIVITY IN SCIENCE

QUARTER 4 – MODULE 1: SOIL – ITS TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS

BACKGROUND
Soil is a system in which energy and matter from the sun, the atmosphere, and living organisms penetrate and
interact. It is a system because it is composed of many different parts. Each of the layers has a special function to perform.

The soil has layers. These layers are called horizon. The sequence of layers is the soil profile. The layers of
soil can easily be observed through their color and size of particles.

 The Topsoil (A- Horizon) is the uppermost layer of the soil. This layer is rich with organic materials called humus
and with minerals needed for plant growth. Humus comes from decaying plants and animals. The soil’s dark color
is an indication of the presence of humus. Several kinds of plants can be seen growing on this layer.
 The Sub-soil (B- Horizon) is located just below the topsoil. It is composed of loosely arranged rocks, sand, and
clay. This layer is very rich with minerals that drain from topsoil. When the topsoil is washed out, the subsoil
alone cannot support plant life.
 The Parent Rock (C-Horizon) is composed of rocks that are slowly breaking apart. It is exposed to very little
weathering. It does not contain necessary nutrients and water needed for plant growth.
 The Bedrock (D- Horizon) is the lowest of the soil layers. It is made up of undisturbed large boulders and gravel.
This layer contains materials good for constructing buildings and making roads. No plant life can survive in this
layer.

A-HORIZON

B-HORIZON

C-HORIZON

D-HORIZON

Learning Competency with Code: Compare and contrast the characteristics of different types of soil (S4ES-IVa-1)

Activity 1: Circle the LETTER of the correct answer.

1. Which of these is made up of the smallest particles of rocks from decayed plants and animals?
A. Land B. Mineral C. Soil D. Mud
2. There are how many types of soil?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

3. Which type of soil has the finest particles and can hold greater amount of water?
A. Clay B. Loam C. Sand D. Rock
4. In which layer of the soil do we usually find loam?
A. Bedrock B. Parent soil C. Topsoil D. Mantle
5. It is the layer of soil that is rich with organic materials called humus and minerals which are important for plant growth.
A. Bedrock B. Parent soil C. Topsoil D. Crust
Activity 2: Classify the following characteristics into 3 types of soil. Write ONLY THE LETTERS in the column

A. sticky when wet D. holds much water G. holds enough water

B. fine texture E. finest particles H. cannot hold water
C. loose particles F. contains humus

Activity 3: Identify what is being asked in each number. Choose your answers form the box.

Activity 4: Complete the graphic organizer.