Materials Required:
Multiple colors of play dough (brown, gray, black, yellow, etc.)
Toothpicks or small flags for labeling
Labels or small pieces of paper for writing names of soil layers
Markers or pens for writing
Plastic mats or trays for working with play dough
Steps Involved:
Introduce the Soil Layers: Begin by discussing the different layers of soil (topsoil, subsoil, parent material, bedrock) and their characteristics.
Choose Play Dough Colors: Have students choose a different color of play dough for each soil layer. For example, brown for topsoil, gray for subsoil, black for parent material, and yellow for bedrock.
Form the Layers: Starting with the bedrock, students will shape a flat layer of play dough and place it on the mat or tray. They will then continue to form each subsequent layer, stacking them on top of one another.
Label the Layers: Once the layers are in place, students will write the name of each soil layer on small labels or pieces of paper and attach them to toothpicks or small flags. These labels should then be inserted into the corresponding play dough layer.
Discuss and Compare: Have students compare their play dough models with others and discuss the similarities and differences in how they represented the soil layers.
Review the Layers: To reinforce learning, review the function and characteristics of each soil layer, using the play dough models as a visual aid.