Science: Quarter 4 - Module 1: "Types and Characteristics of Soil"
Science: Quarter 4 - Module 1: "Types and Characteristics of Soil"
Science: Quarter 4 - Module 1: "Types and Characteristics of Soil"
Science
Quarter 4 – Module 1:
“Types and Characteristics
of Soil”
CO_Q4_Science 4_ Module 1
Science – Grade 4
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 1: “Types and Characteristics of Soil”
First Edition, 2020
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This module was designed and written for you to enjoy while
learning. This will help you know the nature of soil, its types, and
characteristics. The activities and exercises provided for you will develop
your skills and will be able to apply specific skills from this lesson. You will
also enjoy every activity even though you’re away from school. So good
luck and have fun!
After going through this module, you are expected to be able to:
1. identify the different types of soil based on their physical
characteristics; and
2.compare and contrast the characteristics of the different types of
soil.
What I Know
A. Directions: Identify the types of soil shown in the picture. Choose your
answer from the box below and write it in your science notebook.
loam clay sand
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
Illustrated by: Jotham D. Balonzo
B. Directions: Read and answer each question. Write the letter of the correct
answer in your science notebook.
_____1. It is a small particle of rocks that contains decayed tiny organisms and
plants.
a. clay c. sand
b. loam d. soil
_____2. The kind of soil that is sticky when wet and has the finest texture.
a. clay c. humus
b. loam d. sand
C. Directions: Choose the different characteristics of the soil from the box and
write them in the triad diagram below. Do it in your science notebook.
Soil is the land part of the Earth that we usually walk on. It is home to many living
organisms like animals, plants, and humans. Soil also plays a vital role on the
things that causes changes in the environment as it interacts with the existing
elements in our surroundings and atmosphere.
Have you tried touching different types of soil? What have you noticed while
looking or touching them? Do all types of soil have the same characteristics? You
will be familiarized and enlightened as you perform the succeeding activities in
this module. Let’s start.
What’s In
Directions: Read the statements very carefully. Write “T” if the statement is true
and “F” if it is not. Do it in your science notebook.
_____1. Sound is produced through vibrations.
_____2. Refraction happens as the light bends.
_____3. The bouncing of light is called reflection.
_____4. All materials allow light to pass through them.
_____5. Sound wave is absorbed when it bumps a hard smooth object.
What’s New
Note to Parent/Guardian: Guide your children while doing the various activities
in this module. Remind them to observe precautionary measures and to be
careful in handling the materials while performing the activity.
To the Learner:
Directions: Perform each activity and answer the questions that follow. Write
your answers in your science notebook.
⚫ 3 popsicle sticks
⚫ 3 plastic spoons
⚫ hand shovel
⚫ permanent marker
⚫ a pair of gloves
What to do:
➢ Get three samples of soil from different areas (sandy area, garden
area and muddy area) and place each on separate container. ➢ Label
each sample as A, B, and C.
Guide Questions:
1. What characteristics did you observe in comparing your soil samples?
2. Which soil sample has the darkest color? The finest texture? and the
strongest odor?
3. What science idea can you infer about different soil samples?
Activity 2: “Where do We Differ, Where are We Same?”
Directions: Look at the pictures of the different types of soil and write
their similarities and differences in the Venn diagram. Write your answer/s
in your science notebook.
TYPES OF SOIL
What is It
Points to Remember:
Soil covers most of the land part of the Earth. You find plants, animals,
houses and other organisms on the soil. We live on the soil and it helps
us in so many ways.
Soil is made up of smallest particles of rocks, which contains decayed
matter of plants and animals. Humus comes from decaying plants and
animals. Different types of soil have different physical characteristics.
Each soil type differs in color, texture, odor and its ability to hold water.
Some soils are good for planting while others are not. The presence of
the different kinds of vegetative plants in a place is an evidence of a good
quality of soil in the area or locality.
There are three different types of soil in our environment as shown in the
table below.
Types of Soil Common Characteristics
1. Clay The particles are packed together
tightly. It is sticky when wet and has the
finest texture. It holds much water.
The main layers of the soil are organic, topsoil, subsoil, parent rock, and
bedrock.
Layers of Soil
Organic – consists of dried leaves, twigs,
small rocks, surface organisms
and decaying plants and animals.
The Organic (also known as O – Horizon). This is the upper layer of the
top soil which is mainly composed of organic materials such as dried
leaves, grasses, twigs, fallen trees, small rocks, surface organisms, and
other decomposed organic matter. This layer is often black brown or dark
brown in color and this is mainly because of the presence of organic
content. This layer is thin in some soils, thick in others and not present at
all in other soils.
The Topsoil (A-Horizon). This is the uppermost layer of the soil. This
layer is rich with organic materials and is called as the humus layer.
Humus comes from decaying plants and animals. It is also rich in soil
minerals which are needed for plant growth. The soil’s dark color is a sign
of the presence of humus. Several kinds of plants can be seen growing
on this layer. Small organisms such as earthworms, centipedes, fungi,
algae, and microorganism like bacteria are living in this layer. The topsoil
is soft and porous to hold enough air and water.
The Subsoil (B-Horizon). This is located just below the top soil and
above the parent rock. It is composed primarily of clay, mineral deposits
which drain from the topsoil, loosely arranged rocks and organic matter.
This layer contains less humus and organic matter but rich in minerals.
This layer holds water than the top soil and is lighter brown due to the
presence of clay soil. It is comparatively harder and compact than top soil.
When the top soil is washed out, the sub soil alone cannot support plant
life.
The Parent Material or Rock (C-Horizon) is composed of large rocks or
slightly broken-up bedrock. It is called the parent material because upper
layers developed from this layer. Plant roots do not penetrate into this
layer. It does not contain organic matter, necessary nutrients and water
needed for plant growth. It is exposed to very little weathering.
The Bedrock (R-Horizon) is the bottom layer several feet below the
surface. It is made up a large solid mass of rock or undisturbed large
boulders. Bedrock is made up of igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic
rocks. This layer contains materials good for constructing buildings and
making roads. No plant life can survive in this layer.
a. subsoil
b. sand
c. parent rock
d. clay
e. bedrock
f. loam
g. topsoil
Directions: Put the following symbols before each number that describes
the characteristics of soil. Write your answer in your science notebook.
________1. The particles are packed tightly and become sticky when wet.
________2. The particles are coarse and loose.
Directions: Fill out the graphic organizer below by writing the needed
information. Do it in your science notebook.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
______________.
Yes! You really are doing great. I know you are having fun so
let’s check this one.
Assessment
TYPES OF SOIL
Clay Loam Sand
Characteristics
Additional Activities