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Digging In

Activity

Discovering the Secrets Hidden in Our Soil

Find a comfortable outdoor spot near your garden, a tree, or even the soccer field, somewhere you can dig into the soil! Try to find two different types of soil around campus. Compare their color, texture, and the size of the particles. Are there roots, bugs, or leaves in the soil? Gently squeeze a handful of each. Does one hold its shape better or keep more water?

Science Seed

Soil is the layer of earth made up of tiny pieces of rock, minerals, organic matter, and living organisms, providing a home and nutrients for plants to grow. Different soils have different jobs. For example, some plants like soil that’s soft and fluffy, while others prefer soil that is a bit rougher. Some soils are really good at holding onto water, while others let water flow through quickly. Different kinds of soil have different homes for tiny creatures and different types of soil can even help support buildings in different ways. Some parts of southeast Austin have clay-rich soils from the Blackland Prairie, while others have sandy soils from old river deposits. We need all kinds of soil for gardens and trees, and even to help buildings stay steady.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.