AP Environmental Science Students Doing the "Dirty" Work of Soil Sample Testing

Students in Dr. Cedar Schwab’s AP Environmental Science classes have been getting their hands dirty in the name of science. They tested soil samples collected from campus and from home, analyzing texture, pH, and nutrient levels.

The samples came from yards, gardens, and even a farm. After letting the soil settle in water over the weekend, students could clearly see layers of sand, silt, and clay. The farm sample turned out to be a nutrient-rich loam. Another, taken from the top of a small waterfall, had very low nutrients, likely washed away by moving water.

Understanding soil properties helps students prepare for the AP exam and builds their understanding of soil’s essential role in supporting life on earth and growing the food we all rely on.