Leaky Soil
Plants in Saskatchewan, just like plants everywhere else, need water in order to
grow and survive. Different soils are found all over Saskatchewan. They all have
qualities that are advantageous and disadvantageous to the animals and plants
that are in its habitat. Here is an experiment that examines the ability of water
to pass through various types of soil – an important consideration for the
sustainability of plants in Saskatchewan’s many habitats.
You Will Need:

Various soil samples from around Saskatchewan to be studied. Try to
find a variety such as sandy, fluffy, dense, pebbles, and clay.

Paper cups

Plastic cups

Pencil

2 popsicle sticks per cup

Paper towel

Water

Clock or stopwatch
1. Examine each of your soil samples and record their characteristics. What
makes them different from each other? And the same?
2. Set out one paper cup for each soil sample. Use the pencil and poke 10 to
12 holes in the bottom of each cup.
3. Place a piece of paper towel in the bottom of each paper cup to prevent
the granules of each sample from falling out.
4. Fill each of the cups exactly half-full with the various sample and label
each cup with the names of its content (for example, clay soil, found at
Redberry Lake)
5. Place 2 popsicle sticks across the tops of the plastic cups to form a
bridge. Set the paper cups on top of the popsicle sticks (This lets water to
flow into the plastic cups).
6. Fill each paper cup, one by one, with water.
7. Time with a clock or stopwatch how long it takes before water begins to
seep through the paper cups and into the plastic cups. Record your
observations and results.
What Happens:
 Which sample allowed water to seep through first? And last? Why do you
think they did this?
 Did each sample allow the same amount of water to seep through? Or
were they different? Why do you think this is?
 Where is the remainder of the water?
 What advantages and disadvantages would each of the samples have if
they covered Saskatchewan in a particular area?
 How would the plants and animals in the area have to adapt to each area?
Why:
Samples that are quite light or airy allow water to pass through quickly whereas
samples such as sand will allow water to pass through slowly. Samples that are
light, such as peat moss will retail more water than denser soils or materials
such as sand and pebbles.
Follow-up Activity:
Try growing different plants in each of the soil samples you gathered. Which
ones grow better than others? Why do you think they grow like this?
This activity was adapted from,
Anthony D. Fredericks, Brad K. Cressman, and Robert D. Hassler. Grades 4-6 The Science Discovery Book.
Scott, Foresman and Company, Glenview, IL, 1987. Page 46.