Properties of Soil

Sixth grade students have been learning about the importance of soil. Through their explorations, students learned about soil horizons, the properties of soil, and businesses who rely on soil. One of our final projects was conducting a science lab that tested the pore space, pH levels, drainage, color, and particle type. The last activity that is yet to come is a visit from our ag buddies from Richland County. The manager from the Richland Farm Bureau and two Young Leaders will visit the students to teach the students about the importance of agriculture, and answer questions from friendly letters the students wrote to their ag buddies. Photos of their visit will be posted in the near future.

pH test

pH test

 pH test

Drainage test

Drainage test

Drainage test

Particle test

Particle test

Particle test

Particle test

Particle test--after filling a jar 2/3's full, soil was added until it reached the neck of the jar. The jar was then sealed and shaken to mix up the soil particles.

Now it's time to wait, observe, and record the data. This is a photo of the soil samples after 10 minutes. The soil particles are already starting to separate into the soil horizons.

Close up views of some of the samples.

The next step will be to measure the horizons and record the data, using a mathematical formula. Students will also feel the soil levels and use a texture chart to help determine what type of soil each layer is. 

Photo of sample one day later.

48 hours later

48 hours later

A week later and the students measured the layers of soil and used a soil texture profile to determine the type of soil each lab team had.

More photos to come.