Soil permeability: plan (non-statutory)
I can plan an investigation to compare how water moves through different soils.
Soil permeability: plan (non-statutory)
I can plan an investigation to compare how water moves through different soils.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Soil scientists ask questions about which type of soil is best for different purposes.
- Water moves very easily through permeable soils and very slowly through soils with low permeability.
- In a comparative test investigation, variables must be controlled so that only one thing is changed.
- Scientists make plans that include what they will do and what equipment they will need.
Common misconception
All soils are the same when it comes to permeability, how wet/dry a soil is depends how much it rains.
By planning a practical activity, children will be able to measure and observe how permeable different types of soils are.
Keywords
Permeable - If a material or substance is permeable it will allow liquids and gas to pass through it.
Plan - A plan is a method that maps out the steps that will be taken during an investigation.
Comparative test - In a comparative test, the thing that is being changed has labels, such as the types of materials.
Variables - A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.
Equipment
Plastic bottle, soil samples, funnel, filter paper, measuring jug and timer or stopwatch may be helpful at this planning stage but not essential.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a heavy texture and small particles
a lighter texture and larger particles
a fine texture with particles larger than clay but smaller than sand
Exit quiz
6 Questions
