Investigation Sheet:

Objective: To investigate and compare how sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil react when water is added.

Materials Needed: - Small plastic containers (3 per group) - Sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil samples (enough for each group) - Water - Measuring cups or pipettes - Stirring sticks or spoons - Disposable gloves (optional) - Paper towels

Instructions: 1. Introduction: - Soil is important for plant growth. Different types of soil have different properties that can affect how plants grow. - Today, we will be investigating three types of soil: sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil.

1. Setting up the investigation: - Divide into groups and assign each group a soil type (sandy, loamy, or clay). - Each group will have three small plastic containers. Label them accordingly. - Fill each container with your assigned soil type, making sure to have an equal amount in each container. - Handle the soil with care and avoid inhaling any dust. You can wear gloves if you want.

2. Predictions and observations: - Make predictions about how each soil type will react to water. Record your predictions in your notebook. - Gradually add water to each container, one at a time, and observe the reactions. - Take notes and record your observations throughout the process. - Observe changes in texture, color, and water absorption capacity of each soil type.

3. Comparisons and discussions: - Come together as a group to discuss and compare your observations. - Analyze your data and identify similarities and differences between the soil types. - Answer the following questions to facilitate your understanding and critical thinking: - Which soil absorbed water the quickest? The slowest? - Did any of the soil types retain more water than the others? - What were the differences in texture and appearance between the soil types after adding water?

4. Conclusion: - Summarize your findings and understand the importance of soil types in plant growth. - Reflect on your predictions and what you learned from the investigation. - Share any final questions or observations.

Drawings and Findings:

Sandy Soil: - Draw a picture of sandy soil before adding water. - Draw a picture of sandy soil after adding water. - Write down your observations about the texture, color, and water absorption capacity of sandy soil.

Loamy Soil: - Draw a picture of loamy soil before adding water. - Draw a picture of loamy soil after adding water. - Write down your observations about the texture, color, and water absorption capacity of loamy soil.

Clay Soil: - Draw a picture of clay soil before adding water. - Draw a picture of clay soil after adding water. - Write down your observations about the texture, color, and water absorption capacity of clay soil.

Memorandum:

• Sandy soil absorbed water the quickest.
• Clay soil absorbed water the slowest.
• Loamy soil retained more water than sandy soil but less water than clay soil.
• After adding water, sandy soil became wet and grainy, loamy soil became moist and crumbly, and clay soil became sticky and formed clumps.