Soils and the Environment - KS2 Science - Outstanding Lesson with PowerPoint and Worksheets

Introduce KS2 pupils to the importance of soils with this complete science lesson. Designed for Years 3/4, the resource helps children recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter, compare different soil types, and explain why soil is vital for plants, animals, and the wider environment.

What’s Included:
✔ Lesson plan
✔ PowerPoint presentation
✔ Worksheets and answers
✔ Challenge slips with answers
✔ Differentiated activities

Lesson Overview:
★ Starter: Pupils examine soil samples and predict what they are made of.
★ Main: Teacher explains how soil forms and introduces clay, sandy, loam, and peat soils. Pupils test samples for texture and drainage, recording observations.
★ Plenary: “Soil Superheroes” activity where pupils match soil types to scenarios and explain their choices.

Why It’s Useful:
✔ Differentiated for mixed‑ability KS2 classes
✔ Supports National Curriculum objectives for rocks, soils, and living things
✔ Combines practical investigation with visual modelling
✔ Fully resourced and ready to use in 30–60 minute lessons
✔ Printable and editable materials

Suggested Use Cases
Ideal for KS2 science units on rocks, soils, and the environment. Suitable for whole‑class teaching, science week investigations, or cross‑curricular links with geography and history. Can also be adapted for homework or independent research tasks.

Search Tags
KS2 science | soils lesson | Year 4 science activity | soil types worksheet | environment and soils KS2 | outstanding science lesson | rocks and soils topic | soil investigation KS2