At a glance
Simple to fit into your day
Free
No cost to your school or group.
One hour or longer
We can add extra activities and experiments if you have more time.
Ages 5 and over
From Year 1 to adults and mixed groups too.
Where you like
Classroom, hall, outdoors or online. You stay with your class throughout.
Curriculum planning
We provide planning that links to the National Curriculum.
All resources
We provide everything needed for the session.
What happens
Explore, create, share
1. Explore
A guided 15-minute virtual journey into the incredible world of soil, meet the microbes and join in the fun.
2. Create
Learners respond in their own way through words, drawing, painting, music or movement.
3. Share
Share, reflect and then get hands-on with real soil. With permission, pupils' work can join our Global Gallery.
Curriculum links
Fits what you already teach
The links below are to the National Curriculum in England. We are happy to match a session to your own scheme of work.
| Subject | Key stage | Where soil comes in |
|---|---|---|
| Science | KS2, Year 3 | Rocks: recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter. |
| Science | KS1 to KS3 | Working scientifically: asking questions, observing, testing and recording results. |
| Science | KS1 and KS2 | Plants and living things and their habitats: what plants and soil creatures need to live and grow. |
| Geography | KS1 | Key physical features, including soil. |
| Geography | KS3 | Physical geography relating to rocks, weathering and soils. |
| Art and design | KS1 to KS3 | Drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials, to share ideas and experiences. |
| Design and technology | KS1 and KS2 | Cooking and nutrition: where food comes from and how it is grown. |
| English | KS1 to KS3 | Spoken language, poetry and creative writing in response to the workshop. |
| PSHE | All key stages | Wellbeing and caring for the natural environment (non-statutory). |
Based on the National Curriculum in England, including the geography programmes of study. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own curricula, so please ask us if you teach there.
Citizen science
Soil testing in your school
Learners can do real science with soil, from simple tests to biodiversity counts in the school grounds. We are developing school soil-testing projects and Citizen Science Clubs and would love to hear from teachers who want to be part of them.
Interested?
Ask about a workshop
Tell us your class or group, the age range and roughly when suits you. We are confirming school dates now and will get back to you.
Ask about a workshopworkshops@iamtheuniverse.earth