Explore World Soil Day (5 December) with this Lower KS2 science resource for Years 3 and 4, featuring a 24-slide PowerPoint presentation and a 17-page printable A4 PDF with nine pupil worksheets, teacher guidance and answers.

The resource explores soil composition, soil formation, plant roots, soil organisms and ways to protect soil. Activities encourage observation, comparison, scientific reasoning and simple enquiry.

What’s Included?

• 24-slide PowerPoint (16:9 widescreen) with illustrations, discussion questions and slide-specific teacher notes.
• 9 printable pupil worksheets covering soil components, soil formation, soil layers, living organisms, soil textures and soil protection.
• Soil observation and comparison activities using teacher-approved samples or supplied illustrations.
• Optional drainage investigation with fair-testing questions and a results table.
• World Soil Day reflection activities involving drawing, explanation and soil-care decisions.
• Teacher guidance and answer keys, including practical preparation, safety information and scientific references.

Curriculum Links

Supports Year 3 Science – Rocks, particularly recognising that soils are made from rocks and organic matter. Additional links include plant roots, scientific enquiry and Year 4 learning about living things and their habitats.

Classroom Use

The resource can be taught across two or three lessons, with activities selected to suit the class.

The PowerPoint is designed for classroom presentation, while the PDF provides printable worksheets and teacher reference materials.

Files included: 24-slide PowerPoint (.pptx) and 17-page A4 PDF (.pdf).

Lower KS2 | Years 3 & 4 | Science