Here are your goals and key ideas to learn in Case #2!

When you finish this case, you should be able to:

• Understand the importance of soil and how the things that are in it relates to its ability to support good plant growth.

• Tell how plants adapt to soils that aren't perfect.

• Describe the relationship between soil and plant life.

• Recognize that there is a lot of important activity going on where the roots of plants are located.

• Use new vocabulary words such as nutrients, soil particles, texture, structure, organic matter, topsoil, and subsoil.

• Describe what types of living organisms can be found in and around soil.

• Use observation and classification to identify components of the soil.

• Recognize other things that can be used in place of soil.

• Describe the importance of soil "critters" and how they break down organic matter.

While you're solving the mysteries, pay special attention to these key ideas:

• Soil makeup is important in keeping plants alive. We can change soil composition in ways that will help a plant's ability to survive and grow.

• Microbes, solid particles, chemicals, and living plant material all work together to produce a balance that supports a variety of life forms.

• Soil is made up of three basic units: sand, silt, and clay.

• Composting is nature's way of changing organic wastes into plant food that is used to keep many living things alive.

Go on to the Facts of the Case.