When you look at the earth beneath your feet, what do you see? Ask your kids that question and you'll probably hear, "dirt", "grass", "nothing". (That last response is from a teenager...).

But on closer inspection, there is so much more.

Today's activity is digging in the dirt. It comes naturally to some, but other kids might need a little persuasion. There's a whole world down there and it's worth a look.

Follow up:

You'll need:

1. small box
2. garden trowel
3. spoon
4. nature journal

Find a place where it is ok to dig and the soil is easily diggable. Your garden works well, so do most open spaces (as long as you get permission to dig a bit).

Use the trowel to dig a few scoops of soil and put them in the box.

Use the spoon and your fingers to comb through the dirt looking for critters. Be gentle with earthworms and others.

Record what you find in the nature journal.

Do this in a couple different places and compare the soil and the critters you found.

If you have access to a small magnifying lens or a loupe you can get an even closer look.

What's the difference between dirt and soil? Basically, dirt is what you find under your fingernails and on your kitchen floor--not mine, of course . It's broken down rock and minerals.

Soil is the whole community. It's the dirt plus organic material plus everything that lives in it. Check out The Dirt on Soil for a full explanation.

You can find all the supplies you need at home, but here are a few of my favorite things:

NATURE - 100% Post Consumer Compact Journal by Ecojot by Clare Walker Leslie

Blossom Bright Magnifying Glass

30x Jewelers Eye Loupe Magnifier Magnifying Glass Lens

Creature Peeper

This activity was inspired by a beautiful and useful book:

Gardening with Children (Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guide) by Monika Hanneman, Patricia Hulse, Brian Johnson, Barbara Kurland, Tracey Patterson

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

Have fun and tell me what you find!