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  In this program fourth grade students are introduced to one of our most important natural resources: soil.
At the Nature Center they rotate through a series of stations demonstrating the biological, chemical and physical means by which rocks become part of soil. Then they hike to observe local landforms and how the Big Elk Creek and its tributaries have helped shaped the landscape of Fair Hill. The students also see first hand how people impact the land and how through various practices they can help prevent soil erosion.
Groups conduct soil compaction tests in the forest and picnic area and compare results. They survey a forest soil sample for life found within the topsoil layer. Come along on a virtual field trip with fourth graders who aren't afraid to get dirty while learning about soil!
The World is my Apple
 Teachers start the program with "The Apple Show," a demonstration that dramatically shows the amount of usable soil on planet earth. The skin of an apple represents the soil layer covering the earth. Gradually areas are cut away because they are not usuable:
3/4 of the earth's surface is covered by the ocean
1/2 of the remaining quarter is under ice, at the mountain tops, or in wetlands or deserts.
3/4 of the 1/8 remaining apple is lost to agriculture because it has been developed (streets, parking lots, malls, urban cities).
What's left? A 1/32 slice of the world on which people can grow food!
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