Soil and Life in Soil – Our Life – Class 7 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Soil – Our Life
Activity Name: Soil and Life in Soil – Our Life
Activity Description:
In this activity, students will study the organisms present in the soil in different areas. The objective is to understand the importance of soil in supporting various forms of life and to observe the diversity of organisms that inhabit the soil. The activity involves visiting three different sites, such as the school lawn, public parks, river banks, or agricultural fields, in small groups.
It is recommended to conduct the study after rain to increase the chances of finding various soil organisms. Each group should carry essential tools and equipment like a hand lens, hand tool for digging soil, notebooks, pencils, erasers, scales, newspapers, a soil life chart, and a bag for collecting samples.
Required Items:
- Hand lens
- Hand tool for digging soil
- Notebook
- Pencil
- Rubber (eraser)
- Scale
- Newspaper
- Soil life chart
- Bag for sample collection
Step by Step Procedure:
- Form small groups and select three different sites for observation (e.g., school lawn, public parks, river banks, agricultural fields).
- Ensure the sites are visited after rain to facilitate the study of soil organisms.
- Carry the required items (as listed above) in each group’s bag.
- Reach the selected sites and identify suitable spots for sampling.
- Carefully dig into the soil using the hand tool and collect soil samples in the bags.
- Examine the soil samples with the help of a hand lens to observe the various organisms present.
- Record observations in the notebooks, noting the types and numbers of organisms found.
- Take photographs, if possible, to document the findings.
- Compare the observations from different sites and discuss the diversity of soil organisms.
- Create a soil life chart based on the observed organisms.
Experiment Observations:
Students will observe various soil organisms such as earthworms, insects, spiders, mites, snails, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms, depending on the site’s location and conditions.
Precautions:
- Handle soil samples with care to avoid damaging delicate organisms.
- Respect the natural environment and do not disturb the habitats excessively.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling soil samples.
- Use the hand lens carefully to avoid eye injuries.
- Avoid collecting samples from polluted or contaminated areas.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
This experiment will help students understand the vital role of soil in supporting a diverse range of organisms and its significance in the ecosystem. They will learn about the interdependence between soil health and biodiversity and how various organisms contribute to soil fertility and nutrient cycling.
