Soil-Related Vocabulary for Your Classroom

Teaching subject-specific scientific vocabulary goes hand in hand with the teaching of any new scientific topic. When teaching new concepts to our students, it is important to ensure that students understand the definitions of the subject-specific vocabulary related to the concept we are teaching. Students can then use this vocabulary to communicate ideas accurately and clearly, meaning that there is less room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation!

This resource of 16 vocabulary words has been designed by our experienced teacher team to enhance your students’ understanding and mastery of key terms related to soil types and properties. Each card contains the vocabulary word, its definition and a related image.

Words included in this set of soil-related vocabulary cards are: soil, loam, sand, silt, clay, fertile, texture, particles, rough, muddy, dusty, rocky, decay, silky, nutrients, dry. 

This resource downloads as a full-color PDF or edible Google Slides file. Blank cards are included in both files should you wish to add additional words.

This resource will assist you in incorporating subject-specific vocabulary into your science lessons, empowering your students to use these words accurately and with confidence. 

Maximize Your Use of These Soil Word Wall Cards

Once you have this resource on display in your classroom, you’ll be looking for opportunities for your students to practice and apply these terms. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Vocabulary Introduction – At the beginning of your unit on soil, introduce the new vocabulary terms by discussing them with the class. Use simple explanations to help students understand the meanings of the words. Encourage them to say the words aloud and to ask questions to clarify any confusion. 
2. Add Additional Terms – As you progress through your unit on soil, encourage your students to actively contribute to the word wall by suggesting new terms they come across during their reading or research. The editable version of this resource contains blank cards, so adding new words is easy!
3. Gamify It! – Throughout your unit, provide multiple opportunities for your students to interact with the vocabulary in the word wall. Games such as Charades, Celebrity Head and Guess the Word make learning new vocabulary fun and engaging. Games can often improve retention rates, too!

Download These Printable Soil Vocabulary Cards

Use the download button to access either the full-color PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource.

We recommend printing this resource on cardstock for increased durability. 

This resource was created by Kaitlyn Blevins, a teacher in Georgia and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Teacher-Created Soil Activities

Looking for more activities to enhance your lessons on soil? We have many great resources at your fingertips!

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