The
Dirt Dilemma The
Dirt Dilemma
Children are innately curious about the world around them. They are born observing their surroundings, listening to the sounds of their parents' voices, and testing their motor skills. Elementary students continue to learn in this same way and begin to experience the connection between themselves and their environment. The following scientific experiment is designed not only to create an understanding of differences in soil nutrients, but to provide the students with the opportunity to use this "natural" learning style. Utilizing the scientific process, the students will test soils from various sites at their own schools. Our hope is that all students will begin to see the "big picture" and become lifelong learners with respect to their environment.
Plants absorb 3 major nutrients in significant amounts- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (potash). These nutrients can be measured by using a soil test kit. Students will also test for pH. The pH value has a direct result on the amount of nutrients available to the plant. The decomposition of rocks and organic matter along with erosion and the use of fertilizers is responsible for providing essential mineral elements for plants. The rate of decomposition will increase or decrease the test results.Keeping this in mind, choose a test kit that explains how to conduct the tests and interpret the results.
The TAAS objectives targeted within this experiment are as follows: Reading Objectives 1 and 2, Math Objectives 1E, 4A, 5A, 5B and 12B.The 4th grade TEKS targeted within this experiment are as follows: Reading(4.6)C, (4.8)C, Math (4.1)B, (4.11)A, Science (4.1)A, (4.2)B, (4.2)C,(4.2)D, (4.2)E, (4.4)A, (4.4)B, (4.5)A, (4.11)A