Biology and Chemistry of Soil Experiment Kit

Scientific Concepts and Processes

• Conduct a thorough evaluation of soil.
• Identify the type and variety of micro-organisms (soil microbes).
• Calculate soil fertility by a cation exchange capacity elimination.
• Test and determine soil pH.
• Correlate the soils pH value to soil lime requirements.
• Develop and use stain technique and microscopes.

Time to play in the dirt! Students use ordinary soil samples to conduct a thorough evaluation of soil. Simple, easy-to-follow techniques and staining procedures are introduced early in this series of activities. After performing a series of activities, students are asked to draw conclusions concerning a soils ability to support plant growth.

All tests are performed using either the chemplate or calibrated sample tubes.

Kit Contents:

• 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
• 50 Student Worksheets and Guides
• 12 Chemplates
• 50 Plastic Cups
• 50 Plastic Slides
• 12 Calibrated Tubes
• Drop Control Bottles:
  • 3 Barium Chloride Solution
  • 4 Phenolic Rose Bengal
  • 2 pH Soil Indicator Solution
  • 1 Potassium Dichromate Solution