8th Grade Science
Unit 2: Water
NAME:
Soil Testing
In what type of soil is it best to site a well? This is a question that hydrologists, scientists who study
groundwater, need to answer before new houses or other buildings can be constructed. In this
demo, you will compare different soil types to learn more about their water holding properties.
Problem: How fast does water move through sand, clay and gravel?
Procedure:
1. Use the hand lens to observe each of the samples closely. Record your observations.
2. Record the times for Water to Stop Dripping for the Demo.
Soil Testing Data Table
Materials
Sand
Observations
Time for Water to Stop Dripping
Clay
Gravel
Analyze Questions:
1. Which material did the water move the fastest? Slowest?
Fastest-
Slowest-
2. What can you conclude about the permeability of the three materials?
3. What did you notice about the water clarity of the water that drain out?
4. Based on the results of this lab, would you expect to get more water from a well dug in
sand, gravel or clay? EXPLAIN
5. What type of material, sand, gravel or clay, would you find and the bottom of a well?
Why?
6 Of the soil samples tested, which do you think most resembles the soil on the grounds at
your school? Explain your reasoning. How might you test your hypothesis
I demo this as a demo for the class.
Each group of 4 had samples of gravel, sand and clay (pottery clay)