Erase It! Soil Pollution

Erase It! Soil Pollution lesson plan

What’s the solution to soil pollution? From where does it come? Find out what you can do to preserve and protect the Earth.

  • 1.

    Soil pollution is all around! Toxic pesticides are spread on lawns and farms. Industries empty sludge and pollutants into the air, soil, and water. Atomic, toxic, and hazardous waste is dumped into landfills. Why is soil pollution such a critical worldwide issue?

  • 2.

    With your classmates, research and brainstorm ways to erase soil pollution, locally and globally. Interview experts including farmers and environmental specialists. Recycling, not using harsh chemicals on plants, and controlling runoff on hillsides are just some of the ways to limit soil pollution. List all your ideas with Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils on white paper. To make corrections, just erase!

  • 3.

    Choose one solution---something you feel strongly about and can do to help reduce soil pollution. Draw a vivid scene and clearly worded poster with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Show how we all can care for the environment.

  • 4.

    Use the erasers to create special effects, such as windows in a factory. Take color away to create striking words or a large NO symbol. Remove color and replace it with another. Add texture and shading to your drawing by erasing, too.

  • 5.

    Hang your poster where others can see--and heed--your urgent message! We only have one Earth!

Benefits

  • Students recognize the many ways in which soil can become polluted and how soil pollution can harm water, food, and animals.
  • Students understand the many ways the global community is trying to protect the environment, such as alternate energy sources and agreeing on the Kyoto Accords.
  • Students identify ways that they can start at home to erase soil pollution and draw a picture advocating one solution.

Adaptations

  • Find out what types of soil pollution other countries are dealing with. What solutions are they implementing?
  • What should be done with hazardous waste? Debate the options and best ways to handle this problem.
  • Identify the biggest polluters in your area. Did industries leave toxic waste buried underground? Is there a dump site? What about farms? Developers?
  • Create a list of local sources of soil pollution that have been cleaned up, such as rivers, factories, or mines. Discuss how solutions to these problems were found and put into effect.
  • Encourage younger children and children with special needs to recycle. Grow plants organically, indoors and out, to help keep the air and soil clean. With careful supervision, choose a few common items such as a paper bag, milk jug, and newspaper to bury
  • Assessment: What practical solutions did students identify? How aware are they of the need for international cooperation? How compelling is the poster message?