Label the Different Soil Horizons 

Do your students know the different layers of soil? This science worksheet will encourage students to recognise the five different soil layers:

• Humus
• Topsoil
• Subsoil
• Parent Rock
• Bedrock

Students will use the provided word bank and descriptions to help them identify each soil layer.

An answer key is included with your download to make marking fast and easy! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided science groups
• Whole class warm-up or review (via smartboard)
• Homework assignment
• Summative assessment

For students who need a challenge, use the editable version of this resource to delete the characteristics of each layer. Encourage the students to fill each box in themselves.

For students who need additional support, invite them to reference anchor charts and presentations from previous lessons.  

Download This Soil Profile Worksheet

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their workbooks.

This resource was created by Mellissa McLaren, a Teach Starter collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your Science lesson planning time!  

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How Soil Is Created – Teaching Presentation

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Strengthen your students' understanding of weathering, erosion and deposition terms with a vocabulary word search.