
Soil Analysis Kits
Dig into 7 soil analysis experiments designed to expose scientific properties of loam, silt, clay, sand, and other types of soil!
Students uncover data on soil texture, composition, density, porosity, and pH, and make classic comparisons between multiple mixtures. Lessons direct students through the lifecycle of soil, from its formation to its real-world agricultural and commercial applications to its fertility, drainage, and erosion. All experiments can take up to 5 hours of lab time to complete, and some require subsequent observations over several days. Activity Kit includes materials for 6 groups of 4, full-color instructor's manual, reproducible student worksheets, assessment materials, answer keys, and a reusable plastic tote to keep classrooms tidy. Refill kit includes all non-reusable experiment materials to replenish Activity Kit for further experimentation. Full contents lists below. A balance scale is recommended, not included. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for Upper Middle School and up.
Standards: Aligns with NGSS
Activity Kit includes:
- Sterilite Container (10 gal), 1 Ea
- Plastic Test Tubes (100 mm H x 13 mm dia), 50 Ea
- PET Plastic Jar w/ Cap, 1 Ea
- Silt (1 kg), 1 Ea
- Sandy Soil (500 g), 1 ea
- Clay (500 g), 1 Ea
- Topsoil (2 lb), 2 Ea
- Loam (1 kg), 1 Ea
- Fine Sand (2 cups), 1 Ea
- Pea Gravel (3 cups), 1 Ea
- Universal Indicator, 1 Ea
- Universal Indicator Color Charts, 6 Ea
- Graduated Cylinders (100 ml), 6 Ea
- Magnifiers, 6 Ea
- Metal Teaspoons, 6 Ea
- Aluminum Tart Pans, 30 Ea
- Wooden Sieves, Set of 3
- Weighing Paper (4" x 4"), 30 Ea
- Test Tubes w/ Stoppers, 20 Ea
- Test Tube Rack, 6 Ea
- Microscope Slides, 72 Ea
- Coffee Filters, 200 Ea
- Plastic pipettes (7 ml), 24 Ea
- Funnels (150 ml), 6 Ea
- Dishwashing Liquid (1 oz), 2 Ea
- 1/4 teaspoons, 12 Ea
- Tri-Pour Beakers (100 ml), 6 Ea
- Cheesecloth, 2 Ea
- Wire Mesh (4" x 4"), 6 Ea
- Sieves, Set of 2
- Duct Tape (10 yds), 1 Ea
- Rubber Bands, 12 Ea
- Dropper Caps, 2 Ea
- Corrugated Box (22"L x 15"W x 15"H), 1 Ea
Refill Kit includes:
- Silt (1 kg), 1 Ea
- Sandy Soil (500 g), 1 Ea
- Clay (500 g), 1 Ea
- Topsoil (2 lb), 1 Ea
- Loam (1 kg), 1 Ea
- Fine Sand (2 Cups), 1 Ea
- Coarse Sand (1 Cup), 1 Ea
- Pea Gravel (3 Cups), 1 Ea
- Universal Indicator Color Chart, 60 Ea
- Aluminum Tart Pan, 30 Ea
- Weighing Paper (4 in sq), 30 Ea
- Microscope Slides, Set of 12
- Cheese Cloth (2 mm), 1 Ea
- Plastic Pipette (7 ml), 24 Ea
- Universal Indicator, 1 Ea
- Dishwashing Liquid (1 oz), 1 Ea
- Coffee Filters, Set of 200
- Spoons, 12 Ea
Next Generation Science Standards*:
- MS-ESS3-1: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how natural resources are distributed and used in Earth's systems.
- MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
- HS-ESS2-5: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and evaluate the natural processes that contribute to the cycling of carbon through Earth's systems.
*The Next Generation Science Standards are a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.