SOIL & WATER

BACKGROUND

Different types of soil hold different amounts of water. Another way to look at this is that water flows more freely through some types of soil than others.

WHAT YOU NEED

1 beaker
3 soil samples
1 paper cup

WHAT YOU DO

1. Put a filter paper in the top of your beaker. Fold the filter over the top edge of the beaker and hold it in place with a rubber band.

2. Put 1 measured cup of soil in the filter. Then pour 1 measured cup of water on the soil.

3. When water stops dripping through the filter, use the marks on the beaker to measure how many mililiters of water ran out of the soil. Record your findings.

SAMPLE	AMOUNT OF WATER

4. Carefully remove and throw away the filter. Empty the beaker into the sink.

5. Now repeat steps 1-4 for each of your other soil samples.

QUESTIONS

Where is it important to have soil that holds a lot of water?

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Where is it important to have soil that lets water drain through?

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