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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Florence, South Carolina » Coastal Plain Soil, Water and Plant Conservation Research » Docs » Outreach_2023 » Revised_Activities » Dirt is Dirt Activity

Activity:

Dirt is Dirt!


 Image of soil sample with water in a jar with lid=

Purpose:

 

To see that soil is made up of different parts

Materials:

 

soil from the yard, jar with lid, water

Procedures:
 
 
 
 

 

1.Fill the jar half full with soil.

2. Pour in water until it nearly reaches the top.

3. Place the lid on the jar and shake.

4. Let the jar stand 25-30 minutes

 

 

To Ponder...
 
 
 
 

 

1.How many layers do you see?

2. How big are the pieces on the bottom? 

3. How big are the pieces on top? 

4. Is there anything floating on the top?

Extensions:
 
 
 
 

 

1.Use a plastic jar. Follow steps 1-3. Remove lid to allow the water to evaporate. Once the water is gone, slit the jar and separate the layers. Compare the layers.

2. Repeat the activity using a soil sample from a different part of the yard. Compare the two jars.