The Dirt Merchants 
Lesson Plans
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The
Dirt Merchant Project is a soil testing project which requires a simple
hands-on activity. It can be adapted to various learning levels and will
reinforce the scientific method. As a result, students will be able
to understand such concepts as soil
composition, texture,
nutrient
availability, pH,
and erosion.
-
Students
may perform the soil testing in their own laboratory environments and submit
data. We've found that the Lamotte Soil Testing Kit (Model
EL, Code 5679) is the most reasonable and provides the best results.
This kit will ensure the integrity of the experiment. For ordering
information click here.
or
-
for
those schools lacking a computer/soil testing apparatus and would like
to participate, soil samples can be sent to:
Mr. Dennis C. Degnan/Ms.
Diane Skutnick
Environmental Science Project
Coordinators
C/O Bayonne High School
Avenue A and 28th Street
Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
Our
class will do the soil analysis and the data will be posted for review.
Students may then participate in the various student activities.
Research
indicates that there is a definite correlation between soil pH and nutrient
availability (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
-
Students
will propose a working hypothesis, perform various tests [N P K] and pH,
collect data, and draw conclusions.
-
Students
will compare data within their own work stations and share their results
with the global community.