Curated OER
Soil Porosity, Moisture Content, pH, and Density
This lab activity does not have to be done with AP environmental scientists. It can also be done with middle to high school earth scientists. The procedures aren't complex. Learners determine the density of dry and wet sand in order to...
Curated OER
Soil pH Effect on Germination of Specific Weeds
Students collect weed seeds from three varieties of weeds (knapweed, thistle, or toadflax, for example they may choose others in addition to the spotted knapweed.) They sterilize soil for thirty containers, plant seeds in sterile soil,...
Curated OER
Soil Acidity and Leaching
Students are introduced to the concept of acids and bases and arouse curiosity about acids and bases in daily life. They are introduced to the measurement of soil pH. Pupils are introduced to the effect of soil pH on nutrient cycling...
Curated OER
What Kind of Garden Would Grow in Our Schoolyard?
Students perform soil tests for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, composition and water percolation rate and assess the conditions in the schoolyard.
Curated OER
Soil Buffering
Pupils observe the pH change of an acid mixture poured over soil in a filter. Since the buffering capability of soils differs, you may want to do this experiment with several different soil types.
Other
What Is a Soil Test?
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture explains soil testing, taking a soil sample, and analyzing the results.
Other
Physical geography.net: Introduction to Soils
A detailed primer on the composition of soil, its color, pH, texture, and its profile.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Epa: Soil Buffering Experiment
Use this site to explore the experimentation process of "Soil buffering."
Other
Kids World : Plant Nutrition
Plants need certain nutrients to grow well. Use this site to find out what plants need, how to care for them, how to read a fertilizer label, and do the fun activities, like a quiz, a puzzle and a coloring book.