|
| Select Framework:
|
|
| Select Grade: | |
 |
| Loading...This may take few minutes. |
|
|
Title
|
Soil Analysis
|
|
Type
|
Primary: Laboratory
|
|
Operation
|
Tectonic Fury
|
|
Mission:
|
Mission 2: Earth's Changing Face
|
|
Print Page
|
58
|
|
Subjects
|
Science | Earth and space science | Earth materials | Soil | Science as inquiry | Science process skills | Analyzing data | Classifying | Collecting data | Communicating | Interpreting data | Measuring | Observing | Predicting | Scientific habits of mind | Using mathematics | Using scientific equipment
|
|
Grades
|
5 | 6 | 7 | 8
|
|
Keywords
|
soil, analysis, field collection, Dr. Virginia Dale, soil composition, physical property, chemical property, biological property, mineral, soil, particle diversity, texture, density, permeability, organic content, chemical analysis, mineral composition, soil organism
|
|
Duration
|
01:30:00 (HH:MM:SS)
|
|
Audience
|
Teachers | Elementary Grades | Junior High
|
|
|
Created On
|
5/7/2010
|
|
Copyright
|
Mark Thiessen/National Geographic Image Collection
|
 |
From: Tectonic Fury Mission 2: Earth's Changing Face (pp: 58) |
 |
|
|
Soil Analysis In this lab, students will learn to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological composition of soils in the lab. Then they will collect and analyze soils from their local region to determine factors that may influence the types of plants and animals that may live in and on them. |
|
|
Perennial grasses and trees are being considered as potential sources of ethanol, a renewable fuel. Dr. Virginia Dale and her team are studying these bioenergy crops to figure out their optimum growth conditions and how they may impact the local environment, including the soil. Their research is showing that the long roots of perennial crops, like switchgrass, may improve soil formation. And, when plant species are grown in their native areas, very few chemical fertilizers need to be added to the soil.
In this activity, you will learn to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological composition of soils in the lab. Then you will collect and analyze soils from your local region to determine factors that may influence the types of plants and animals that may live in and on them.
|
| Materials |
|
|
- water
- soil samples provided by instructor
- soil collected in field
- chemical testing strips
- dropper or pipette
- heat lamp
- paper towel
- beakers or cups
|
|
|
| Lab Prep |
- Obtain the materials and numbered soil samples from your instructor.
- Using a hand lens, write a physical description of each sample, including:
- Color(s)
- Particle Diversity
- Use the Soil Mineral Color table in the data sheet to determine the potential mineral composition of each sample.
- Perform the following tests using the instructions provided in the data sheet.
- Density
- Texture
- Composition
- Permeability
- Moisture
- Organic Content
- Chemical Analysis
|
|
| Make Observations |
- Collect a variety of soil samples from your area or school grounds.
- Briefly describe the area in which each sample was collected. Include information about the types of plants or animals living in and on the soil.
- Using the techniques in the Lab Prep, analyze each soil sample collected in the field.
- Share the results of your analysis with your classmates.
- Compare and contrast each sample with the samples you analyzed during the Lab Prep. Which samples share common properties?
 |
Journal Question
What can the analysis of your local soils potentially tell you about the geologic history of your area? |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|