Using soil moisture maps
In this activity, students learn to read and interpret aspects of soil moisture maps and compare data by location and over time.
This activity complements the activity Investigating soil moisture content. It also supports the nature of science achievement aims Communicating in science and the science capability Interpret representations.
Soil moisture deficit map
A soil moisture deficit map indicates whether soils have a water surplus, are at field capacity or have a water deficit.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
use scientific vocabulary
find the field capacity of a soil sample
identify the elements of soil moisture maps
discuss the purpose of soil moisture maps
read/interpret maps to compare data by region
read/interpret maps to compare data over time.
Soil moisture anomaly map
A soil moisture anomaly map indicates whether soils in an area are wetter or drier than normal.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
extension ideas
student handout.
Nature of Science
Scientists often use maps to represent data. The National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research collects soil moisture data from around New Zealand and displays it in map form. Visual representations – like maps – can be easier to read than tables of numbers.
Activity ideas
What makes up soil? uses an interactive or paper-based graphic organizer to explore student thinking about soil. This is a good pre/post student activity. Use it in combination with the teacher resource Alternative conceptions about soil.
Investigating soil moisture content is good to combine with this activity and supports the science capability 'Engage with science'. Students can record and share their data on a soil moisture database.
Related content
Explore some of the important science ideas and concepts around soil with these articles:
Useful link
NASA's Eyes on the Earth site shows the positions of their Earth observation satellites. Use the tabs at the bottom of the page to filter for soil moisture, greenhouse gases and other measurements.
