Middle School Soil Lab

Last week, middle school Earth Science students participated in the Soil Lab. During the Soil Lab, students determined if their soil sample was Loamy Sand or not by forming clumps and measuring them. They also looked at different types of soil under a microscope and magnifying glass. 

 

Students then sifted the soil through 4 different sieves, extra coarse (took out the rocks and dead leaves), coarse (took out the smaller rocks), medium (smaller grains of sand), fine and extra fine (divided the soil), into a jar. One teaspoon of borax (a dispersing agent) and water were added to the jar as well. The mixture sat for 24 hours for the soil to settle into three layers of clay, silt and sand.

 

Now students are sharing their results with the class, determining what might have gone right or wrong, and learning about human errors. We will be continuing the rest of our Soil lesson this week, pointing out that Kauaʻi has 11 of 13 soils listed.