Kids Corner Soil Week: Edible Soil Layers and Mud Shakes

Did you know!?

There are layers to the dirt beneath your feet. Soil scientists call them “horizons”… that’s very zen. When a soil scientist takes a soil sample, she makes sure to sample from every horizon. You can learn about the layers that have formed over million of years by partaking in a little Edible Soil Layer snack!

Here it goes!

To make up the layers beneath your feet you will need the following:

1) 3 oreos

2) 3 gummy worms

3) coconut flakes

4) green food dye

5) m&m’s OR chocolate and peanut butter chips

6) 1 pudding cup

7) a clear cup or glass

8) a spoon

9) a marker

10) sticky notes or tape

Click for Full activity instructions and source:

Instructions:

  • Place an oreo for your bedrock layer.

  • Sprinkle chips or M&Ms next for the parent material.

  • Then bring in the pudding and spoon into cup on top of chips/M&Ms to represent the subsoil layer.

  • Next crumble two oreos and sprinkle on top of pudding to be the top soil

  • Lastly dye the coconut flakes green by mixing a couple drops with some flakes in a small bowl. Add the green flakes and the gummy worms on top for the organic matter layer.

  • Observe, discuss with family and friends, then enjoy!

Mud shake

Did you see the Facebook LIVE where I made a mud shake in the garden?

When you make a mud shake you are testing the consistency of your soil. It’s fun!

Gather your materials:

  • Pint size clear jar with lid.

  • marker and tape

  • a little less than a pint of water

  • one big handful of soil

  • a timer or clock

Instructions:

  • add the soil to your jar

  • add the water to your jar

  • screw on the lid of your jar

  • shake the contents of your jar for 5 whole minutes (SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE)

    • You may choose to take turns with your family shaking.

  • sit your jar on a flat surface

  • after 1 minute of settling, the sand in your jar will be the first line on the bottom, mark with tape labeled “sand”

  • next after 30 minutes, mark the “silt” layer with a piece of tape labeled “silt”

  • it will take up to two whole days for the clay in the soil to settle out of the water, mark that “clay”

kids, science activity, earth science, edible science, teaching farm, kids gardeningAmanda Edwards#urbanfarm, #eatsouth, #kidsactivities, #soilforkids, #ediblescienceComment