Skill Levels
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced
Purpose
To identify the structure, consistence, color, texture and horizons of
the most common soil around each school site.
Overview
There are two protocols here divided into multiple tasks:
1A) Students dig a pit and describe soils along the pit profile,
1B) Additional site and background information is collected,
1C) Each soil horizon exposed in the pit is sampled.
2A) The samples are dried,
2B) Soil pH is determined in the classroom/lab,
2C) Soil particle-size distribution is determined.
Time
One full day. Time for digging pit will vary.
Frequency
Once
Key Concepts and Skills
Concepts
- Distinctive soil units form horizons
- Soils are classified in terms of size, texture and color
- Soils modify the chemistry of water in contact with them
Skills
- Organization
- Team work
- Observation
- Sampling
Materials and Tools
Preparation
Select site, gather digging and other tools, evaluate digging safty,
arrange to have pit dug by appropriate persons