Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers

John Pedersen (Earthworks 1999)
pedersen8@aol.com

Soil Study

Have students collect, analyze and draw conclusions on the various soil types in and around their community.

To enhance students' interest in local area, gain experience with sample collection, testing, scientific method.

8th grade Earth science ó 30 students

Spring (April)

Soil testing kit (NPK, soil texture test, organic matter test, moisture test, temperature, auger), recording material (black pen, data sheet).

Students will collect samples (they decide where), conduct tests and analysis, map, determine communities associated with soils.

Extension: Try to grow various plant species in different soils.