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Materials:
1) 2-4 cups each of several soil types (sand, loam, clay, etc.)
2) aluminum Pans ( 2 or 3)
3) large funnel
4) large measuring cup
5) clear plastic containers that hold at least 2 cups (one per soil type)
6) scissors
7) water
8) 1/2 Gallon plastic milk carton (a 2 liter soda bottle works also), one for each soil
sample
9) pH strips
Before you Start:
1) Put many very small holes at the bottom of your empty milk jug. ( A jug for each
sample) Make sure you cut the top off of your jug.
2) Get your samples of dirt.
3) Fill your jug half way to the top with your soil. Label your soil types.
4) test the pH of the water
Now it's time for your
experiment:
1) Hold the jug of soil over an aluminum pan and slowly pour a measured amount of water on
the soil.
2) Now collect the drainage of the water in the aluminum pan. Then use the large funnel to
switch the drainage to the next container. Test the pH of the water again. Now label that
container by the soil type.
3) Record your observations and pH results.
4) Pour the dirty water over the same soil again. Test the pH.Then record those
observations and pH results. Continue to see if the water becomes clear. Does it? Does the
pH value change?
5) Repeat the process with several types of soils. Do soils filter water? Which works the
best?
6 Test your local soil and send us the results (See the Visitors' Page)