Case study: Soil protection – school experiments
Photo acknowledgement:
- Secondary
- Indoor
- Experiment
- Slovakia
Soil protection – school experiments
A collection of hands-on experiments (in Slovak: Ochrana pôdy – školské pokusy) tailored for teachers and upper secondary school pupils aimed at enriching soil education. Comprising 33 engaging activities, these experiments introduce selected chemical compounds and soil properties, to foster a deeper understanding of soil dynamics.
The activities have been produced as part of a collaboration involving Slovak NGOs and local environmental centres.
Objective
The primary objective of these experiments is to provide secondary school pupils with practical opportunities to delve into the composition, characteristics, and behaviour of soil through scientific inquiry. By engaging in these experiments, pupils can deepen their understanding of soil as a complex natural resource and recognise its significance in various ecological, agricultural, and environmental contexts. Furthermore, the hands-on exploration of chemical compounds in soil fosters critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, and an appreciation for soil’s role in sustaining life on Earth. Ultimately, these experiments may inspire pupils to pursue further studies or careers in disciplines such as soil science, environmental science, agriculture, or chemistry.
Approach
The experiments follow a hands-on, inquiry-based learning approach, encouraging active engagement and exploration among pupils. In the context of Slovakia, such initiatives in soil education are rare, making these experiments a unique and valuable resource for educators and students alike.