Theory of soil mechanics is a sound base of geotechnical engineering, but most of the theories in soil mechanics are limited and open -ended because they are based on simplified tests and are highly abstracted from practical models, leading to errors when being used to solve ground problems. According to its character of being open -ended, the teaching and learning process of soil mechanics should stress on laboratory test and case study, as well as formal lecture. Based on writers’ experience in soil mechanics teaching, the reorganization of laboratory, establishment of exploring test and suggestion on typical case selection and preparation were discussed here.