Learn About Rocks and Soil Types
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What you will learn
- 1Name three types of rocks and how each forms
- 2Name three types of soil
- 3Describe a key property of each
- 4Identify loamy soil as the best for growing plants
Mini Lesson
The ground beneath us is made of rocks and soil — and not all rocks or soil are the same. Scientists sort them by their key properties, like texture, color, and how they formed.
Three types of rock
- Igneous rock — formed when hot melted rock (magma) cools and hardens. Can have big crystals you can see (granite) or tiny ones (basalt).
- Sedimentary rock — formed when layers of sand, mud, and tiny rocks are pressed together over a long time. Often has visible layers. Example: sandstone, limestone.
- Metamorphic rock — formed when existing rock is changed by great heat and pressure deep underground. Often has stripes or swirls. Example: marble, slate.
Three types of soil
- Sandy soil — feels gritty and rough; drains water quickly; hard for most plants to grow in.
- Clay soil — feels smooth and sticky when wet; holds water well; can be packed too tight for roots.
- Loamy soil — a mix of sand, clay, and humus (bits of rotted plants); the best soil for growing plants because it drains well and holds food for plants.
Words to know
Igneous
A rock formed when hot magma cools and hardens
e.g. granite, basalt
Sedimentary
A rock formed from layers of sand and mud pressed together
e.g. sandstone, limestone
Metamorphic
A rock changed by heat and pressure deep underground
e.g. marble, slate
Loamy soil
A rich mix of sand, clay, and humus — best soil for growing plants
e.g. garden soil
Property
A feature that tells what something is like, such as texture or color
e.g. gritty, smooth, shiny
Ask yourself: How did this rock form? What does this soil feel like? Which soil is best for plants?
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