Grade 3 Environmental Activities Environment And Its Resources – Soil Notes

What is soil?

Soil is the top layer of the ground. It is made of small bits of rocks, water, air, and tiny pieces of plants and animals. Plants grow in soil.

Why is soil important?

• Soil grows our food: maize, beans, vegetables and tea in Kenya.
• Soil stores water for plants.
• Small animals and worms live in soil and help plants grow.
• Soil keeps our trees and farms strong.

Types of soil (easy to feel)

Try this: Take a little soil and rub between fingers. What do you feel?

Soil layers (look under the ground)

The top dark layer is where seeds and roots live.

Soil in Kenya — where we grow food

In places like the Rift Valley, the soil is good for maize and vegetables. On the highlands (like Kericho and Nandi) tea grows well. At the coast the soil can be sandy. Different places need different care.

How we can protect soil (easy things children can help)

• Plant trees and flowers to hold soil with their roots.
• Use compost from kitchen peelings — it makes soil healthy.
• Cover bare soil with mulch or grass so wind and rain don’t wash it away.
• Avoid burning fields — it makes soil poor.
• Make small terraces on slopes so rain does not wash soil away.

Fun activities to do (with an adult)

1. Make a soil jar:
   - Put soil in a clear jar, add water, close and shake. Let it settle. You will see sand, silt and clay layers.
2. Plant a bean in a cup:
   - Use loam or garden soil, water a little, keep in sun. Watch roots and shoot grow. Draw a diary.
3. Make compost:
   - Put vegetable peelings and dry leaves in a small bin. Turn every few days. In weeks it becomes dark compost for plants.

Safety tips

• Wash hands after handling soil.
• Do not eat or taste soil.
• Ask an adult before digging or using tools.