New Kid Activity: Learn about Soil

June 6, 2023
A poster for a soil slime lab with a picture of a corn plant.

What's in soil and why is it important for corn? 

Check out this fun indoor activity you can do with your children or grandchildren to teach them about the importance of soil in growing corn.
 

This Soil Slime Lab will show four different nutrients and elements in soil including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and living organisms. When mixing up the slime, the nutrients will spread out and distribute within the “soil”. Children can see how in soil there are many different nutrients but they are all distributed differently. See the full activity here.

Nitrogen

  • Nitrogen is important for plants to grow. This element is important for the plant growth, plant food processing and the creation of chlorophyll. Without nitrogen, the plant can not grow taller or produce enough food for the plant.

Phosphorus

  • Phosphorus transfers energy that comes from sunlight to the plants. It also stimulates early root and plant growth and helps the plants mature.

Potassium

  • Potassium helps plants fight off diseases, helps the plants to move starches, sugars and oils.

Living Organisms

  • Living organisms help transform the soil by creating burrows, add nutrients to the soil by breaking down dead leaves and can help control the populations of other soil organisms.
A diagram of a tree 's roots and leaves
Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More