Soil, Water, and PlantsScientific Investigation Process

Young Scholars Program – Grade 3

Wheel of Scientific Investigation

Step 1: Make Observations

Sample bags contain:• Rocks/Gravel• Clay• Sand• Topsoil

Record your observations about the soil samples in your response journals.

Use your curiosity and

senses to learn.

Set up your journal to

record your observations for

each sample bag.

Step 2: Ask QuestionsI Wonder if…

Topsoil

Rocks/Gravel Clay Sand

Be prepared to share

some of the your

questions.

•What is that one question we want answered?

•What do we already know about our question?

Where can we find the answers to our question?

Step 3: Learn MoreHow can we find the answers to our questions?

•Rank your soil samples from “least absorbent” to “most absorbent.”

•Now state your hypothesis…”We predict that the order of soil samples from least absorbent to most absorbent will be…

Step 4: Design the Experiment HypothesisConduct an experiment to determine how much water different

types of soil can absorb.

Step 4: Conduct the Experiment StepsRecord the steps of the experiment in your response journal so that you are consistent

with each sample bag. Follow the exact steps for the remaining soil samples.

Place the filter paper over the top of the jar. Make a shallow dent in the middle to hold the soil. Secure with a rubber band.

Fill the dent with some of the soil sample.Carefully measure ¼ cup of water.Slowly pour the water evenly over the soil sample.

Designate one group member to watch the inside of the jar while the water is being poured.

Record observations:• What happens when the

water is poured?• What does the sample

look, feel, and smell like after the water has been poured?

Remove the filter paper and pour the water in the jar into the measuring cup. How much of the ¼ cup of water is left?

Step 4: Conduct the Experiment Record DataRecord observations with great detail.

Soil Samples Rocks & Gravel

Clay Sand Topsoil

What happened when the water was poured?What did the sample look like after the water was poured?What did the sample feel like after the water was poured?What did the sample smell like after the water was poured?

Quarter North America

Asia Europe Australia

Q1 2009 123 34 45 10

Q2 2009 134 35 44 12

Q3 2009 150 45 50 14

Q4 2009 201 55 60 18

Q1 2010 175 44 47 13

Q2 2010 180 48 52 14

Q3 2010 204 55 60 16

Q4 2010 250 62 70 20

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Quarter North America

Asia Europe Australia

Q1 2009 123 34 45 10

Q2 2009 134 35 44 12

Q3 2009 150 45 50 14

Q4 2009 201 55 60 18

Q1 2010 175 44 47 13

Q2 2010 180 48 52 14

Q3 2010 204 55 60 16

Q4 2010 250 62 70 20

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