A Soil Word Search for Kids

One of the most important aspects of any science unit of work is teaching students the subject-specific vocabulary related to the topic. Once students become familiar with these words and their meanings, they are more likely to use these words (and use them correctly!) in their written work.

Using word searches as a teaching tool can add an element of fun and interactivity to your lessons. Most students find word searches to be a highly motivating task. Concentration is at its peak as students focus on finding all the words in the puzzle, with the added benefit of expanding their vocabulary!

This science-related word search has been designed to introduce your students to some of the subject-specific vocabulary related to the topic of soil. The word search contains 20 words for students to find.

The soil vocabulary included in this word search is: soil, loam, silt, clay, sand, layers, properties, color, texture, filtration, particles, weathering, decomposing, habitat, fertility, nutrients, humus, subsoil, bedrock, organic.

Download the black-and-white PDF, or if you’d like to make any personal alterations to the resource, an editable Google Slides version is also available. 

Word searches allow students to practice valuable cognitive skills such as visual scanning, pattern recognition and sustained attention, making this resource the perfect addition to your science lessons on soil!

Get Maximum Benefit From this Soil Word Search  

Looking for ways to use this resource to further explore soil-related vocabulary with your students? Check out some great ideas from our experienced teacher team!

• Word Wall Cards – Have your students create colorful and informative word wall cards for the words contained in the word search. Each card should contain the word, its definition and a visual representation of the word. Display the cards on your class bulletin board for the duration of your unit on soil.
• Which Word? – Provide your students with dry erase boards and markers. Give the students the definition of one of the words from the word search, then have the students write the correct vocabulary word on their board. This provides teachers with a great opportunity to informally check who is successfully retaining the vocabulary.
• 10 Questions – Use the vocabulary words from the word search for a game of 10 Questions. Select a student to stand at the front of the classroom, then write one of the vocabulary words on the board behind them. The student has ten yes or no questions to gain clues from the class about their mystery word.

How to Access This Soil Word Search

Use the dropdown menu next to the Download button above to access either the easy-print PDF or the Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template before accessing it).

As this resource contains an answer sheet, we recommended printing one copy of the resource, removing the answer page, then making copies as required.

More Teacher-Created Soil Activities 

Teach Starter has you covered when it comes to teacher-created, curriculum-aligned soil resources! Click below to explore more resources from our library! 

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Types of Soil Chart

Remind your students about the four main types of soil with this soil chart for your classroom.

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Soil Word Wall Vocabulary Cards

Immerse your students in subject-specific vocabulary related to soil types and their properties with this set of 16 illustrated vocabulary cards.

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Properties of Soil Teaching Slides

Explore the properties of sand, silt, loam and clay with this comprehensive set of teaching slides.