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Grade 3 · Soils in the Environment · Soil and Its Health

Healthy Soil Is a System

Soil is more than dirt. It is a changing system containing non-living materials and living organisms that supports plants, food production, and ecosystems.

Visual model

See how the ideas connect

Look · connect · explain
Start at the centre. Follow each line and explain how that idea belongs to Soil and Its Health.

For students

Notice, predict, explain

Choose one part of the model. Predict how it connects to another part, then use the lesson evidence to explain your thinking.

For teachers

Pause for science talk

Show the model before the explanation. Ask “What do you notice?” and “What might change?” Then revisit student ideas after the worked example.

The big idea

Soil health depends on connected components and processes

Healthy soil contains mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and organisms. Its composition affects drainage, nutrient supply, and which plants grow well.

Work it through

Compare two garden soils

  1. Step 1 Sandy soil has larger particles and usually drains water quickly.
  2. Step 2 Clay-rich soil has very small particles and can hold more water but may drain slowly.
  3. Step 3 Organic matter helps provide nutrients and improves the way many soils hold air and water.
  4. Step 4 Ground cover, reduced disturbance, and compost can limit erosion and support soil health.