Designing your small soil action

Finding your entry point

You have now practised two steps. First, you used soil knowledge to read a context with soil in mind. Then, you considered what makes a soil action specific, placed in context, proportionate, connected, and clear. This final lesson brings those steps together. You will now design a small soil action.

The word “action” can sound larger than it needs to be. In this topic, an action does not have to be a complete campaign, a formal project, or a public event. It can be a small, thoughtful contribution that helps a defined audience notice, understand, discuss, or care for soil in a more specific way. It can also be a way of joining or strengthening something that already exists.

A good starting point is often close to your own context. You may begin with a place you know. You may begin with your studies or future profession: law, architecture, education, journalism, economics, arts, environmental sciences, engineering, health, agriculture, planning, or communication. You may begin with an existing initiative, such as a community garden, citizen science project, restoration activity, school programme, local association, student group, or public event. Or you may begin with a communication opportunity: a poster, caption, short video, social media carousel, discussion question, or guided observation.

The entry point should be specific enough to work with. “Soil and cities” is too broad. “How could a campus tree pit be better understood by students passing it every day?” is more workable. “Soil and food” is too broad. “How could a short caption help students connect their lunch to soil management?” is more focused. “Soil and art” is too broad. “How could earth-based pigments be used to open a conversation about local soils?” is clearer.

You can use the following questions to find your entry point:

• What context do I know well enough to work with?
• Where is soil present, directly or indirectly?
• What is currently easy to miss with regard to soil?
• Who could benefit from noticing this soil connection?
• Which previous MOOC topic helps me explain it?
• What kind of small response fits my time and role?

Your entry point should be chosen because you can explain it clearly – not because it sounds impressive. A simple idea with a visible soil connection is stronger than a complex idea with no clear focus.