Soil Structure and Composition
Soil Texture background
Measure the relative amounts of sand, silt and clay in a soil sample to determine the type of soil in a sample. This activity is based on the fact that large, heavy particles will settle most rapidly in water; while small, light particles will settle most slowly. The laundry detergent is used to dissolve the soil aggregates and keep the individual soil particles separated.The look and feel of a soil is referred to as SOIL TEXTURE and is determined by the size and type of particles that make up the soil (including the organic but mostly referring to the inorganic material
Level 1 Guiding Question: How do you determine soil texture?
Online Textbook on soil
Click on the button to read the online chapter on "Soil Characteristics" after you have read the chapter please complete the google form below.
Level 1 Investigation: Calculating soil texture
Once you have all the materials please download the form above and complete the data and measurements (see your instructor for further details). Click on the button below if you are unable to view or download.
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This activity is based on the fact that large, heavy particles will settle most rapidly in water; while small, light particles will settle slowly. The laundry detergent is used to dissolve the soil aggregates and keep the individual soil particles separated. See the instructions below. Measure the relative amounts of sand, silt and clay in a soil sample to determine the type of soil in a sample.
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Level 1 Videos: Using the textural Triangle and calculating the % soil particles.
This shows you how to use an online soil texture calculator .
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This video show you how to do the mason jar method for determining soil texture.
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This video shows you how to use the soil texture triangle to determine soil types.
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Level 1 Elaborate: Writing A science paper using the scientific method on the Soil texture Lab
Use the popular website "Science Buddies" to review the Science Method writing style.
Click on the button to help you understand the scientific method and what it can and can't do! Reminder the games on Brain POP need to use flash to play correctly most tablets do not have flash installed on them.
Background reading
The 7 steps of the Scientific Method (read this before you begin writing your paper)
scientific_method.pdf | |
File Size: | 1512 kb |
File Type: |
Begin writing your Soil Texture lab using the document below.
The above picture allows you see what your template looks like, download an editable copy by clicking the button below.
To help with you determine the actual soil type view the two textural triangle views in Level 1 Video section above.
Level 1 Review: Use these resources to prepare yourself for the unit test,
Level 1 summary: unit Test
To begin your test click on the "next" button on the form below.