The Scoop on Soil
Product Explanation Sheet
Outcome: Create a collection of soil organisms organized into a food web.
Materials: cardstock or index cards, a large sheet of paper, pens, crayons, tape
Checklist:
1. Choose 5-7 soil organisms. *Optional: Use the Note Taking Sheet from the
steps to organize your information.
Make sure your choices include at least:
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1 to 2 producers that are present in the soil
1 to 2 decomposers that are present in the soil
1 to 2 consumers that are present in the soil
2. Make a “specimen card” for each organism.
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Draw each organism on a separate index card and label with the
name and producer, decomposer or consumer.
Write the organism information on the back of the card.
3. Organism Information
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Describe how each organism fits into the soil food web on the back
of the card.
Explain how each organism helps the soil. (Aeration, binds
nutrients, breaks up plant matter, etc.)
Optional: If the organism plays a role in the phosphorus or nitrogen
cycle, include a description of what it does. Look in the steps and
in resources for websites to help you.
4. Arrange Soil Organism collection
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Organize your specimen cards into a food web. Some organisms
may be related to 2 or more organisms in the food web.
Tape the top edge of the cards so that they can be flipped up to
review the back
Include arrows to show how energy moves in the food web.
Use the food web website on #11 of the steps page to help you.
5. Compare your soil collection with a peer’s. Have her/him initial on the back of
your collection.