Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf
Nina H. Cox
Powhatan County
Developed with funding from the American Council of Engineering Companies
of Virginia and the MathScience Innovation Center
Question(s)
Is synthetic turf on an athletic field beneficial to the environment?
Grade/Subject
Grade Six Science and Grade Six Math
Virginia Standards of Learning; 2010 Science 6 (6.1, 6.5); 2009 Math (6.2, 6.6,
6.7)
21st Century
Curriculum
Engineering: Nature of STEM (1.23); The Engineered World (3.35, 3.36); Civil
Engineering (4.44, 4.45)
Background
Environmental engineering is the application of physical science and
engineering principles to improve the environment. (air, water, and land
resources) Engineers assess the impact of a proposed project on environmental
conditions.
Studies have shown that installing artificial turf is better for the environment and
saves money. Although the initial cost of artificial turf is greater than natural
grass the yearly savings is substantial. The cost of maintaining natural grass can
be expensive. Watering a lawn, applying fertilizer, aerating, and mowing all
contribute to the cost of natural grass.
Materials



Safety
None
Procedure
Students work together in groups of two to calculate the total area of the soccer
field and complete the table on the Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf worksheet.
They then answer follow up questions about which is cheaper to maintain and
which type of grass is better for the environment.
Data Analysis /
Results



Conclusion /
Is synthetic turf environmentally friendly?
Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf
Calculators
Soccer Field Diagram
Grass vs. Synthetic Turf Worksheet
List the benefits of using turf vs. grass
List the benefits of using grass vs. turf?
Which is better for the environment? Turf or Grass?
http://MathInScience.info
©MathScience Innovation Center, 2009
Questions
References
PerfectTurfInc. Payback Analysis –
Turf payback analysis, to include expense/cost of turf grass.
http://www.perfectturfinc.com/
“Environmental Engineering”- Wikipedia
Definitions, information on Environmental Engineering.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/environmental_engineering
Soccer Field DiagramProvides dimensions, to include field measurements and boundary lines, in
customary soccer field.
www.sportsknowhow.com/pops/soccer-field.html
MathScience Innovation Center
Information on educational programs available to students, teachers and school
divisions and procedures for registering for programs.
http://msinnovation.info
Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf
http://MathInScience.info
©MathScience Innovation Center, 2009
Name _________________________________ Date______________
Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf
Directions: Given the following information complete the table. Assume an annual
inflation rate of 5% on these costs.
For example Year 2=Year 1 +
5%
Grass
Installation Costs $4,000
Annual Water (8 mo @25/mo)
Annual Mowing ($50/mo)
Annual Fertilizer ($18.75/mo)
Synthetic Turf
Installation $8,000
Annual additional Sod ($50)
Estimate which is more cost effective, turf or grass?_______________
Item
Original Installation Cost
Annual Water
Annual Mowing Service
Annual Fertilizer, Aeration
Total Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Year 14
Year 15
Total at Year 15
Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf
Natural Grass
http://MathInScience.info
Synthetic Turf
©MathScience Innovation Center, 2009
1.
a.
Which type of lawn covering is more cost effective at the end of 15 years, turf
or grass? _____________________________________
b. At what year do you see a benefit in cost? ____________________
2. At the of 15 years, what is the cost difference between turf and grass
fields.___________________________________________
3. Is synthetic turf more environmentally friendly than grass?
_____________________________________________________
4. Explain your answer for #3. Provide at least 3 benefits to support your answer.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
5. On graph paper make a double line graph from the information on
the Grass
vs. Turf paper using year 1 – 15. Remember to write a title, and label the x and y
axis.
Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf
http://MathInScience.info
©MathScience Innovation Center, 2009