STEM: Soil Testing (FLEX)

Soil is a very valuable natural resource.  Farmers (and gardeners) test their soil pH to determine if it is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.  Armed with this information, farmers can then work to change the pH of the soil, if needed, so they can grow healthy plants.  In this STEM Challenge, learners will put their science skills to the test  and create a system to collect and test soil pH to determine the types of plants that will grow best in their area.

This challenge will be completed as a team in ten steps:
Step 1:  RESEARCH pH levels and the plants that grow in various soils.
Step 2:  BRAINSTORM ideas to design a pH testing system.
Step 3:  DIAGRAM the system.
Step 4:  SET UP the system.
Step 5:  TEST the system and RECORD results.
Step 6:  EVALUATE PERFORMANCE of the system.
Step 7:  IDENTIFY areas the system could be improved.
Step 8:  MAKE CHANGES to improve the system.
Step 9:  RETEST/REEVALUATE the improved system.
Step 10:  SHARE the results.

For successful collaborative learning, the workload should be divided among the members.  Each learner will chose a role on a first-come, first-served, basis.  Learners may chose from the following roles:  Captain (keeps the group on task to meet deadlines), Recorder (organizes the paperwork), Illustrator (creates drawings, diagrams, and/or photography).  My role is to guide and assist as needed in the problem-solving process.

Learners should have baseline reading, math, and science skills, and be able to work well with others.  Learners should review the following concepts/vocabulary prior to start of class:  acidic, alkaline, basic, neutral, nitrates, nitrogen cycle, phosphates, potassium, soil horizons, soil profile.

Each section is kept purposefully small so that learners may work as a group to complete the challenge.  A HIGH LEVEL OF INTERACTION IS REQUIRED.  Sections must meet minimum enrollment to run, so please share with your friends!  Additional sections can be created upon request.