How to identify soil texture

1. Introduce the concept that soil is made from rock fragments as well as lots of other materials – and these fragments can be felt by doing a soil texture test. Find out more about soil types here.
2. Ask learners to take a sample from each of the three bowls (a golf ball sized amount will do) and add a small amount of water until the soil has the consistency of putty or play dough.  
3. Use the accompanying flow chart or support learners to ask questions about what the soil feels like, to decide whether samples A, B and C are sand, clay or loam. As this is a messy activity aprons may need to be worn to protect clothes.
4. For younger learners, use this activity as an opportunity to explore texture, colour and shape.  
5. Ask learners questions such as:  
   Which soil type would you prefer to have in your garden? 
   Which soil do you think would need to be watered more often? 
   What other ingredients might there be in garden soil outside? 
   You can also use ‘I wonder’ statements to encourage curiosity from younger learners.
6. Afterwards, wipe down surfaces and wash hands. A clay soil will stick to your fingers more than a sandy soil!
7. For older learners, discuss how this practical test involves recording and interpreting information about the environment to learn more about what we can do to care for it. How might we use this information to make decisions for our outdoor space?   

Extension opportunity 

Once learners have learnt the basic steps of how to assess their soil, go and collect different soil samples from around your site to test. 
 

This activity has been adapted from RHS Campaign for School Gardening