2-Experiments

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Experiments and Activities

InteGreat Science: Soil Properties and Weathering



Activity 1: Properties of Soil Texture and Color

(Complete this activity with a partner.)

soil_worm.gif

Materials:

  • 4 different soil samples on a paper plate

  • magnifying glass

  • Dixie cup of water and an eyedropper

  • pencil and crayons

  • blank paper folded in quarters with each block numbered 1 to 4


Procedure

  1. Take a plate with 4 soil samples.

  2. For each sample draw a picture or describe in words what you observe on the blank folded paper.

  3. Be sure to include color, moisture, texture and smell.

  4. When you and your partner are finished drawing and listing your observations, add a couple of drops of water to the sample. Does the sample stick together after adding the water? Record your observations on your paper. If the water allows the soil to stick together it is said to easily compact. Which samples compact easily, which do not. Record this observation on your paper.



Activity 2: Compaction

(Complete this activity with an adult helper.)

Question: How much air and space is in the soil?

dixiecup.jpg







Materials:

  • Paper cups with hole in the bottom

  • soil

  • stop watches

  • Soil Compact Image

  • Bucket with water and paper towels for clean up.


Procedure:

  1. Get a copy of Soil Compact Worksheet on the classroom table.

  2. With the parent helper you will do the activity with two other group members. Be sure to keep your work area clean and free of spills.

Journal Entry

  • List two things you observed during this experiment.

  • Answer the question, "How does compacted soil affect plant growth?"

  • Complete the Soil Compact worksheet. (Be sure to cut it out and paste it in your science journal with today's date.)



Activity 3: Weathering

(Complete this activity with a partner.)

soils_chimneyrock.gif

Materials:

  • a small clear jar with lid

  • two tablespoons of salt rock

  • a copy of WeatheringWikiBig.jpg

  • black paper (for each group to pour the salt rock on)

  • magnifying glass


Procedure:

  1. Gather materials listed above from the classroom supply table.

  2. Place two tablespoons of rock salt into the clear jar.

  3. Follow the instructions on the WeatheringWiki page.

  4. Once the activity is completed, cut out the diagrams and paste them into your science journal. (Be sure to include the date at the top of the page.)

  5. Now answer the question, "How does this demonstration relate to the process of weathering?"



Activity 4: Sedimentary Rock Activity

(Complete the following demonstration as a class or in small groups.)

gneiss400.jpg