Students will conduct a lab experiment to understand how soil type and water content affect erosion. They will collect soil samples from their neighborhoods and test the erosion of different soil types when sprayed with water. Students will use soil moisture probes and spreadsheet software to analyze the experiment results. The goal is for students to gain a deeper understanding of erosion through an inquiry-based, hands-on approach.
2. Lesson Objective: Upon completion of the lab, students will hold a firm
understanding of the effects of water and capillary cohesion of multiple soil type
samples and how this effects erosion.
Some soil samples are provided by the students themselves from their own
neighborhoods.
Students work collaboratively in groups towards forming a hypothesis about the soil
types involved in the experiment.
Students also learn how to test their hypothesis through experimentation.
21st century technologies are used to analyze moisture content of the soil, via soil
moisture data probes, then the variable experiment results are entered into a data
spreadsheets for analytical use.
3. Student-centered labs allow for students to
develop their own ideas and notions
through exploration.
(Vernier Software and Technology, 2012; USGS, 2010).
4. The Experiment…
Erosion and Soil Types
1) Pack premeasured amounts of each soil type sample into the pan
traps provided.
2) Indicate the approximate degree of angle (slope) used in your
experiment for each of the soil types (Note: your angle should
remain consistent for each of your soil types).
3) Spray each sample of soil being tested with the provided water until
the desired moisture content is reached. You will be using your
moisture data probes for this step.
4) Record your data on the spreadsheet and indicate the degree of slope
stability at each moisture content level indicated. Use a scale of
1 – 10. One being the most stable and ten being the least stable.
5. The soil moisture data probe is designed to measure the volumetric water
content of soil and material (Vernier Software and Technology, 2012).
Such a technological tool can be used to control the variable of water
content during the experiment.
The USGS uses similar soil moisture data probes today to study erosion.
(Vernier Software and Technology, 2012). (USGS, 2010).
6. Worksheets are used to help guide student’s
thinking while providing direction.
7. Designating student’s roles within each group
helps to provide structure and ordinance while
allowing each student to assume an active role
in their learning.
8. An inquiry-based approach towards learning about
erosion and various soil types provides valuable life-
long knowledge.
Hummm….the looser and coarser
the texture of the soil, the greater
the slope stability?
9. Students implement the use of 21 century technology
skills when entering variable experiment results into a
data spreadsheets, where they will be able to analyze
their experiment’s results.
11. Upon Completion of the Lab…
Students gain a greater understanding about erosion and slope stability
through analyzing the multiple soil type samples at various soil
moisture content levels.
Such knowledge can be transferred to future lessons within the unit as erosion
via mass wasting is discussed.
A deeper understanding is achieved as the real-world experiment pertains
directly to the student’s surrounding environment.
Students engage in a deeper level of thinking as they implement scientific
method through forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment,
analyzing results, and reflecting upon their findings.
21st century skills are gained that will help students compete in the
global economy we live in today.
