Lesson 1: Soil

Ask your child to describe how soil and plants are dependent upon each other. Discuss that interdependence refers to a relationship where two things are dependent on each other. Many interdependent relationships exist in nature. In his journal, he can describe how soil is dependent on plants and how plants are dependent on soil.

Answers:
Soil is made up of decaying plants. The decaying plants loosen the soil and enrich it with nutrients. Plants are dependent on soil because they use the nutrients for food. Soil also gives plant roots something to hold onto.

Let your child examine the soil in your yard. Ask him if he can identify the components of soil in his sample.