Using Soils Education and Outreach As a Viable Tool for STEM through All School Ages.

Many students avoid involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) because they are uncomfortable due to perceived difficulty of the natural sciences that constitute STEM. As an applied science, Soil Science directly connects with different aspects of the natural sciences and can convey knowledge related to environmental issues and other matters of global importance.  An annual gathering of students from elementary schools in Southeast and Central regions of Virginia as well as Summer Enrichment Programs for high school students provided opportunities to deliver soil related information and education. Through hands-on participations, and classroom instructions in an outreach setting, students within the K-12 received education on various soil properties, functions, processes and other attributes which directly relate to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and Mathematics. The student’s hands–on participations, applications and problem solving in Soil Science enhanced their understanding and familiarity with the natural sciences. The experience also provided a realization that STEM could be fascinating and can offer opportunities for their careers in future.