Description
Throughout a series of laboratory investigations, students explore the formation of soil, analyze several of its physical characteristics, and investigate soil properties including structure, particle size, density, and permeability. Students then examine the weathering of rocks as well as the physical properties of isolated soil components (sand, clay, and humus). During this lab students also use a soil texture triangle to identify soil types. Kit provides materials for 1 group of students.
Unit Connection
This laboratory investigation correlates to Unit 4: Earth’s Systems and Resources, topics 4.2: Soil Composition and Erosion and 4.3: Soil Formation and Properties in the AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description.
Standards Connection
This kit addresses the following AP® Environmental Science concepts:
Big Idea 2: Interactions Between Earth Systems (ERT) The Earth is one interconnected system. Natural systems change over time and space. Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.
- ERT-4 Earth’s systems interact, resulting in a state of balance over time.
- ERT-4.B Describe the characteristics and formation of soil.
- ERT-4.B.1 Soils are formed when parent material is weathered, transported, and deposited.
- ERT-4.B.2 Soils are generally categorized by horizons based on their composition and organic material.
- ERT-4.B.3 Soils can be eroded by winds or water. Protecting soils can protect water quality as soils effectively filter and clean water that moves through them.
- ERT-4.C Describe similarities and differences between properties of different soil types.
- ERT-4.C.2 The particle size and composition of each soil horizon can affect the porosity, permeability, and fertility of the soil.
- ERT-4.C.4 A soil texture triangle is a diagram that allows for the identification and comparison of soil types based on their percentage of clay, silt, and sand.
Time Requirements
Teacher Preparation (before class):
- Prior to Day 1 of Investigations 1 and 2: 10 minutes each
- Prelab: 10 minutes
- Investigation 1—Mechanical Weathering: 15 minutes
- Investigation 2—Chemical Weathering: 10 minutes
- Investigation 3—Soil Texture Triangle: 10 minutes
- Investigation 4—Soil Organization: 15 minutes
- Investigation 5—Bulk Density and Compaction: 15 minutes
Class Time:
- Prelab: 10 minutes
- Investigation 1—Mechanical Weathering: 30 minutes
- Investigation 2—Chemical Weathering: Day 1, 15 minutes; Day 2, 15 minutes
- Investigation 3—Soil Texture Triangle: 30 minutes
- Investigation 4—Soil Organization: 40 minutes
- Investigation 5—Bulk Density and Compaction: 40 minutes
- Assessment—Free-Response Questions: 35 minutes
The times provided are estimates. The time required may vary based on your student population and class schedule.
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Prior Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the following skills or concepts:
- Basic knowledge of mechanical and chemical weathering
- Calculating percent change
- Basic knowledge of soil horizons and characteristics
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