Learn about the layers of soil with a fun hands-on LEGO activity. Our soil layers activity was a fun way to include a little earth science into LEGO play. We have tons of great Kid’s LEGO Activities for STEAM Learning!
EARTH SCIENCE WITH SOIL LAYERS ACTIVITY
LEGO EARTH SCIENCE IDEAS
The other day we used our LEGO bricks to make a slice of the Earth and check out the LAYERS OF THE EARTH! I love using basic bricks to learn about new things. We have even made a LEGO VOLCANO and used a baking soda science activity with it! This is awesome hands on Earth science for kids!
LEGO SOIL LAYERS ACTIVITY
Gather you LEGO bricks and a small plate if you like. Read about or check out the various soil layers and get started. Decide what colors you want your soil layers to be and decide how big you want to build your model. We found colors we liked, but may have started out a little too big.
BUILD LEGO SOIL LAYERS
We chose traditional LEGO brick colors
SUPPLIES:
LEGO bricks of various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Plate as a base for the soil layers or a base plate if desired.
Plates for humus layer and grass layer {or you can use just one row of bricks}.
Minifigure
Some type of LEGO tree, flower, or plant for the top
Bill Nye The Science Guy: Rocks and Soil
LEARN ABOUT SOIL LAYERS
We started with a square base plate and just went around the outside of it for our layers of soil activity model. We chose grey for the bedrock, tan for the parent material, light brown for the sub soil, brown for the top soil, and black for the humus. Plus we made a layer of green grass on top.
HUMUS: Organic, rich material is one of the upper layers
TOP SOIL: Another upper layer that is mostly organic.
SUB SOIL: Not so organic but rich in minerals.
PARENT MATERIAL: Nothing living and full of rock fragments.
BEDROCK: Almost solid rock.
GET A FREE PRINTABLE COLORING SHEET OF THE SOIL LAYERS{plus others}
We also added a LEGO root! Plan ahead as you are building your model to add a root that goes down through the subsoil.
Go ahead and decorate the top! My son thought it looked like a Minecraft activity, so he continued with the theme on top. He made a large flower to go over the root as well as some hills. Steve and a pig joined, but the pig left.
EARTH SCIENCE WITH LEGO AND STEVE
Science {or STEM} can be fun especially if you have a kid who likes new LEGO projects. Make sure to give a little freedom with the soil layers activity! Sit and chat with your kids about the layers. We always enjoy watching a Bill Nye The Science Guy: Rocks and Soil Episode.
LEGO SOIL LAYERS ACTIVITY FOR KIDS
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE IDEAS
Jennifer
I love this. We have TONS of Legos and I love the idea of using them for schoolwork.
littlebins
Awesome! Thank you. LEGO is totally both fun and educational.
Tim Favier
Wow, thanks for the great idea. Do you know where I can order the Lego? Is there a package, or do I have to order the bricks separately? Regards, Tim (geography teacher)
littlebins
It’s a make from scratch type of project!
Mining Matters
Love the activity! Can you provide details about the exact number of each of the colours of brick?
Thank you!