Theme
Soil Science, Biodiversity, Regenerative Gardening
Activity Duration
1,5 to 2 hours
Group Size
4–15 participants (pairs or small teams ideal)
Objectives
- Introduce youth to soil as a living system, not just ‘dirt’
- Build basic observational and testing skills for soil health
- Develop respect for soil biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Link healthy soil to sustainable food systems and climate resilience
Description
Soil is not just dirt — it is a living, breathing ecosystem teeming with life. In permaculture, we often say, “Feed the soil, not the plant.” This philosophy highlights the fundamental truth that healthy soil equals a healthy planet. Yet, many of us walk over it every day without a second thought. This activity awakens curiosity, care, and reverence for the very ground beneath our feet.
In this hands-on investigation, youth become Soil Detectives. With tools in hand and notebooks ready, they observe, touch, and test the soil in their immediate environment. Using the structure of a scientific inquiry, they examine properties like colour, texture, smell, compaction, moisture, and
the presence of visible organisms.
You don’t need to be a soil scientist to run this activity. What matters is creating space for observation, reflection, and connection. The more we learn about soil, the more we understand the importance of regenerative practices like composting, mulching, and polycultures.
This activity pairs beautifully with garden visits, compost activities, or even schoolyard mapping. It helps young people recognise that even under their own feet, life is thriving — and it’s worth protecting.
Materials/Tools
– WS5.1 Soil Observation Sheet (1 per participant or team)
– WS5.2 Team Reflection Sheet (1 per team)
– WS5.3 Visual Reference Guide (1 printed per group or as a poster)
– Trowels or small spades (1 per team)
– Pencils or pens
– Clipboards or firm surfaces for writing
– Rulers or marked sticks (for measuring compaction)
– Gloves (1 pair per participant)
– Water spray bottle (optional, for moisture comparison)
Space (indoor, outdoor,
settings…)
Outdoor environment with accessible soil (garden, park, school yard) –
Optional indoor prep space or post-activity discussion circle
Structures/steps (timing)
1. Intro Circle – Pose the question: “What do you think lives in the soil?” Share ideas. (5 mins)
2. Toolkit Review – Hand out materials, go over each part of the Soil Detective Toolkit. Emphasise safe digging and respectful observation. (10 mins)
3. Field Investigation – In pairs or small teams, visit a chosen soil site and complete the Soil Observation Sheet. (30–45 mins)
4. Debrief – Return to the group to share key findings. Use guiding questions: What surprised you? What patterns do you see? (15 mins)
5. Reflection – Teams complete the Team Reflection Sheet, drawing insights from their eld notes. (10–15 mins)
6. Discussion and Next Steps – Optional brainstorming on how to improve soil health or how this connects to growing food. (10 mins)
Evaluation System/Tools
– Completion of WS5.1 Soil Observation Sheet with thoughtful responses
– Team Reflection Sheet (WS5.2) responses showing understanding of soil health
– Participation in group discussion and willingness to share insights
– Optional: Sketch quality, observational detail, and creativity in interpreting findings
– Facilitator observation of engagement and teamwork
This activity can connect to
Forest Garden Planner
Soil Observation Sheet
Team Reflection Sheet
Visual Reference Guide
