According
to our science program, the characteristics of the soil in an ecosystem affect
plant growth. Soils that have a lot of decaying, or organic, matter can hold
water well and allow air to reach the plant roots. Sandy soils usually do not
hold water well because the water flows through too easily. Clay soil, which
has small, tightly packed particles, will not allow water to move through
easily at all.
Sixth
graders proved this is true by developing an experiment where they tested how
quickly 90cc of water would drain through each type of soil in seconds. Then,
they measured how much of the water drained through the soils in cubic
centimeters.
After
the data was collected, lab reports were written in Microsoft word. The observation chart and graphs were
formatted in Excel spreadsheets and then inserted into the lab reports.
After
proving the science with math means, students will use this information when
designing Soil Conservation Posters, for NRCS.
