Investigating Soil Composition - Soil Soaks Up Water
Summary
In this classroom activity, students will show how soil composition affects the amount of water the soil holds. They will test sand and soil independently and then create their own mixture.
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Learning Goals
Goal:
Create a soil mixture that will hold the most water.
Skills:
Predicting, Measuring, Observation, Data Recording
Vocabulary:
Permeability, Soil, Soil Horizon, Humus, Topsoil
Create a soil mixture that will hold the most water.
Skills:
Predicting, Measuring, Observation, Data Recording
Vocabulary:
Permeability, Soil, Soil Horizon, Humus, Topsoil
Context for Use
I intend to conduct this activity in my classroom. Lab stations would be a wonderful. The lesson should take 20-40 minutes. Materials are basic, however, students will need to measure water. Sand and soil will need to be purchased. I will be using this in the beginning of a unit on soil since it seems fairly easy to explore.
Description and Teaching Materials
OWL
Observation:
1. Provide student groups with a sample of sand and topsoil. Ask them to record observations regarding the content of the soil in their science notebooks using a Venn Diagram. Discuss briefly as as class. They should conclude that the soil has once living and non living materials.
What:
2. Tell students that they will be working on an experiment today using topsoil, sand, and water. Hand out Activity Sheet.
3. Ask students to follow procedures listed. Students will punch 3 holes in the bottom of a cup, fill with sand, pour 100ml of water into cup, and record the amount of water that drains through in 5 minutes. They will repeat this procedure with a cup of topsoil. (Remind them to compact the soil.)They will then create their own mixture of soil and sand with the intent of preventing water from draining though. Student will record results in their notebooks in the organizational method of their choice. (charts/graphs/lists/etc.)
Learned:
4. Students record results in the form of a "I Claim/Evidence" format in their notebooks.
I claim that ______________(which type of soil) holds more water. I claim this because______________________________.
5. Pose assessment questions to students for further reflection and responses in their notebooks.
Soil Quick Lab Sheet (Microsoft Word 297kB Aug3 09)
Observation:
1. Provide student groups with a sample of sand and topsoil. Ask them to record observations regarding the content of the soil in their science notebooks using a Venn Diagram. Discuss briefly as as class. They should conclude that the soil has once living and non living materials.
What:
2. Tell students that they will be working on an experiment today using topsoil, sand, and water. Hand out Activity Sheet.
3. Ask students to follow procedures listed. Students will punch 3 holes in the bottom of a cup, fill with sand, pour 100ml of water into cup, and record the amount of water that drains through in 5 minutes. They will repeat this procedure with a cup of topsoil. (Remind them to compact the soil.)They will then create their own mixture of soil and sand with the intent of preventing water from draining though. Student will record results in their notebooks in the organizational method of their choice. (charts/graphs/lists/etc.)
Learned:
4. Students record results in the form of a "I Claim/Evidence" format in their notebooks.
I claim that ______________(which type of soil) holds more water. I claim this because______________________________.
5. Pose assessment questions to students for further reflection and responses in their notebooks.
Soil Quick Lab Sheet (Microsoft Word 297kB Aug3 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
(204 Sticky, Gloopy, Wacky, & Wonderful Experiments by J. VanCleave, p. 75)
This book contains another experiment that is similar.
Kids can test all three cups at one time if time is an issue in your classroom.
This book contains another experiment that is similar.
Kids can test all three cups at one time if time is an issue in your classroom.
Assessment
Kids will record answers to the following questions in their science notebooks:
1. What properties of soil are best for farming?
2. How do plants help prevent soil erosion?
3. What other mixtures do you think would hold water better?
1. What properties of soil are best for farming?
2. How do plants help prevent soil erosion?
3. What other mixtures do you think would hold water better?
Standards
5.3.1.2.1
Explain how, over time, rocks weather and combine with organic matter to form soil.
Explain how, over time, rocks weather and combine with organic matter to form soil.