Richland County educators are invited to borrow a soil slake test kit for classroom, youth group, and community presentations. The kit may be borrowed for a one-week period, and the borrower is responsible for the model's pickup and return.
The soil slake test can be used to teach about soil health and composition, soil conservation, the Dust Bowl, and the importance of soil organic matter. The materials provided will be enough for 4 classes. You will receive plastic containers, two bendable grates, samples of soil for student observation, and soil samples kept in separate plastic bins to use in the demonstration.
Suggested demonstration:
Preparation:
- Fill the plastic cups with equal amounts of water to 1" from the top of the container.
- Bend the grates into a U-shape and place one grate in each cup, dipping the bottom of the U-shape into the water while keeping the two edges at the rim of the cups.
When students arrive:
- Have discussion about topics like the Dust Bowl, soil health, and composting.
- Discuss the importance of organic matter in soil.
- What does healthy and unhealthy soil look like?
Begin demonstration:
- Show students the samples of soil and ask what they think will happen when we place the samples in water.
- Place samples in water at the same time.
- Become an Earthquake! Pick up the cups at the same time and tap them ligthly on the table.
- Which sample held? The one with more organic matter!
Contact the Richland SWCD at RichlandSWCD@gmail.com for more information. Request the Soil Slake Test by filling out this form. Evaluate this educational equipment rental using this form.
# # #
Conservation Districts are political subdivisions of state government under the local direction of five-member Boards of Commissioners. In South Carolina, Conservation District boundaries conform to County boundaries. The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the wise use of natural resources for the benefit of the citizens of Richland County.
Contact
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District
2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone (803) 576-2080
Fax (803) 576-2088
E-mail soilandwater@rcgov.us
Facebook www.facebook.com/rswcd