Grade 4 · Science · Unit 2 of 8
Soil Science
Sand, silt, clay, humus and fair tests.
What your child practises
Practises what soil is made of, how different soils drain and hold water, and how to run a fair test. It follows the Grade 4 science skill descriptors on investigating soils in the New Brunswick curriculum.
New Brunswick Curriculum skill descriptor: Scientific Literacy: Investigation, Scientific Literacy: Sensemaking · investigating soils and using data to explain how soils differ
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Which soil particles are the largest?
- humus
- sand
- silt
- clay
sand
Hint: Sand feels gritty.
Question 2
Which soil drains water the fastest?
- frozen soil
- packed soil
- sandy soil
- clay soil
sandy soil
Hint: Water passes through large gaps.
Question 3
What is the top layer of soil called?
- subsoil
- bedrock
- topsoil
- crust
topsoil
Hint: Topsoil has the most humus.
Question 4
Which crop grows well in the Saint John River valley’s soil?
- bananas
- potatoes
- coconuts
- rice
potatoes
Hint: Potatoes are a major crop in northwestern New Brunswick.
Question 5
What do plants take from soil?
- heat only
- water and nutrients
- sunlight
- oxygen only
water and nutrients
Hint: Roots take in water and nutrients.
Question 6
Which New Brunswick region is known for its rich farmland and large potato farms?
- Campobello Island
- the upper Saint John River valley
- Grand Manan
- Mount Carleton
the upper Saint John River valley
Hint: The soil and climate there suit potatoes.