Second graders are continuing their study of soils.

Students have 3 samples of soils: humus, clay, and sand. They moistened each sample and tried to roll it into a ball. They discovered that every soil component has a unique feel whether wet or dry. They discovered that the way the soil reacts when moist can help them identify it. Students described the feel and appearance of moistened sand, clay, and humus. They compared wet and dry samples, discussing the similarities and differences.

Students discovered if after water has been added, the soil is neither extremely wet nor dry and do not remain in a ball, the students knew that it contained a large percentage of sand. If the soil will form a ball but not a ribbon, it is called loamy sand. By assessing how smooth the ribbon feels and how long a ribbon the soil will make, the student can make a preliminary assessment of the soil type- for example, clay, silty clay, or silty clay loam. As learned in a previous lesson, a soil's plasticity-how it holds its shape when compacted-depends primarily on the percentage of clay in the soil. If you can roll moist soil into a smooth and sticky ball, it contains a lot of clay. Soil that feels rough or gritty when moistened has sand in it. And it the soil feels lumpy and has a muddy blackish residue, it contains humus.

To see photos of Mrs. Shade's class:

http://www.westhillselementaryschool.com/?PageName='TeacherPage'&Page='PhotoAlbum'&StaffID='10921'