This module equips lecturers with theoretical foundations and practical tools  to integrate soil education into teaching for sustainability. It includes four flexible sessions  that can be combined or used independently. Basic knowledge of soil functions and threats  can be acquired through self-study. 

The module blends field-based experience, core soil science, and interactive, game-based  learning to provide a holistic introduction to soils. Participants explore soils as living  ecosystems, learn about their functions, threats, and protection, and work with digital and  hands-on tools to analyse soil health. They also engage with educational methods that  promote systems thinking, active learning, and ethical reflection. Overall, the module  strengthens both subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, enabling educators to link soil  topics with sustainability, community action, and real-world problem-solving.

Learning  objectives: 

• Understand key soil functions, relevance, threats, and regional aspects.
• Use soil-related tools and ESD methods in teaching.
• Collaborate with external partners and engage communities in soil activities.
• Develop and evaluate educational materials and approaches.
• Apply critical, systemic, and solution-oriented thinking to real-world projects.

Download the  documents:

• Overview of the LOESS student module (PDF)

• Session 1: Agricultural Field Trip: Soil in a Real-World Context (PDF)

• Session 2: Living Ground: An Introduction to Soil as a Vital Ecosystem (PDF)

• Session 3: Policy decision-making on how land is used – A Role-Playing Game – all documents (PDF)

  • Session 3: Introduction PowerPoint (PPT)

• Session 4: Together for Healthy Soils: From Idea to Action

  • Session 4: Facilitator guide (PDF)

  • Session 4: Practice guide (PDF)

  • Session 4: Introduction Option 1 (PPT)

  • Session 4: Introduction Option 2 (PPT)