We Dig Dirt

A Mini-Unit on Soil nvan

What is the Dirt on Dirt?

Dirt is made from rocks, plants, and animals which

have broken down into smaller pieces with time and

weather. Sand is made only from rocks (or shells)

which have broken down into tiny pieces. Another

name for dirt is soil. Mud is wet dirt. Dirt varies in

texture and color. It can have a tint of red, yellow,

blue, brown or black. Underground dirt is the home

to many animals and insects. Some of these are the

worm, ant, and mole. People sometimes use dirt for

their homes. Mud mixed with grass and straw, and

then baked, is called adobe. Bricks are made in a

similar way. Plants need dirt in which to grow.

Dirt

Attributes of Dirt

can has is

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A Look at My Dirt Sample

Make A Paper Microscope Slide

You Need:

2 pieces of clear tape,

paper punch

one index card,

foam or paper plate.

Samples of sand or soil

Cut the index card into four strips. Each strip should measure 1 ¼” X 3”.

Punch a hole using a paper punch in the middle of the strip.

Place one piece of clear tape on the bottom of each strip so it

covers the “window. “

Turn the slide over so the sticky part of the tape is now filling the

window and is facing up.

Place the sticky side into sand or soil sample on the plate. Small grains

should stick to the tape. After trapping the sand or soil on the sticky

slide, place another piece of clear tape over the particles. This will

secure it in place.

Place slide under microscope.

Observe differences. Record your observations.

An Even Closer Look

at My Dirt Sample

The Dirt on My Dirt

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Dirt Made My Lunch Steve Van Zandt and The Banana Slug String Band

Dirt is a word that we often use,

When we're talkin' about the earth beneath our shoes.

It's a place where plants can sink their toes;

In a little while a garden grows.

A farmer's plow will tickle the ground,

You know the earth has laughed when wheat is found.

The grain is taken and flour is ground,

For making a sandwich to munch on down.

A stubby green beard grows upon the land,

Out of the soil the grass will stand.

But under hoof it must bow,

For making milk by way of a cow.

Dirt made my lunch,

Dirt made my lunch.

Thank you Dirt, thanks a bunch,

For my salad, my sandwich

My milk and my munch 'cause

Dirt, you made my lunch.

Five Little Pigs

Author unknown

Five little pigs rolled in the mud.

Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good.

The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice.

Four little pigs rolled in the mud.

Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good.

The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice.

Two little pigs rolled in the mud.

Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good.

The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice.

One little pig rolled in the mud.

Squish, squash, squish, it sure felt good.

The farmer took a pig out, and cleaned him up nice.

No little pigs rolled in the mud.

They all looked nice and clean.

The farmer turned his back and what do you know!

All those little pigs jumped back in the mud.

Soil + Water = MUD!!!!

The best thing about mud

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Delicious Mud

Serves 1

3 tbsp. instant chocolate pudding

1/2 cup milk

2 chocolate sandwich cookies

Place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag.

Use your hands to break the cookies into tiny

bits. Pour the milk and the pudding mix into a

small jar or a margarine tub with a tight-

fitting lid. Shake for three minutes. Pour the

pudding (mud) into a clear plastic cup.

Sprinkle the cookie bits (dirt) on top of the

mud. Dig in!

Edible Gardener’s Dirt

Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookies,

crushed

Chocolate pudding

Milk for making the pudding

Cool Whip

The amounts needed depend on how much you want

to make. Make the pudding as directed. Fold in Cool

Whip to make a Mousse consistency. In a bowl, put a

layer of crushed oreos on the bottom. Add the

pudding mix as the next layer. Put a layer of the

crushed oreos on top to make it look like dirt. Add

some gummy worms!! Enjoy!