In order to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil, the ASSS, the Austrian Soil Science Society, together with other relevant Austrian institutions has developed concepts and materials and initiated a series of workshops to familiarise students and the general public with the importance of soil. One format is the workshop series Boden macht Schule, a series of activities for children between the ages of nine and thirteen. To suit the situation in the classroom and to involve every child in the activities, the workshop comprises four stations with practical activities. Key elements include observing and identifying soil animals, simple science experiments and rummaging in the soil. Pupils and students are encouraged to use all their senses and touch, observe, smell, and listen to soil. Experiments include i) a filter experiment, ii) defining the texture of soil by touching it and iii) working with microscopes and binoculars. The children are asked to carry out the tasks themselves. At least 15 workshops are held in Vienna every year and are very popular with teachers, pupils and students. National projects such as BOKLI and Futuresoils had the format of scientists working with students aged 10- 14 for a whole year. In these projects, they learnt about the relationship between soil and climate and/or food production. Following a scientific approach, students collected and observed various parameters and learnt to grow, nurture and harvest vegetables and herbs in and outside their classroom. In 2023, Soil talks - a project aimed specifically at initiating exchange in between young and retired persons was carried out. In Soil Talks these groups were introduced in soil health through workshops, interactive lectures, and walks. Other activities include a regular Soil Festival on the premises of the Federal Forest Research Centre, as well as participation in events and presentations at the Vienna Zoo and regional thematic activities. We also offer training workshops for key groups in environmental education. Keywords: soil education, soil awareness, soil fertility
