Digging up the Dirt on pH Sabrina Cooper (GA), Dave Emery (AK), Sheila Forster (MN), Horace Magwood (GA) & Linda Shepherd (AR)

Global Map of our Cities

Abstract Comparison of latitude affect on soil pH level – looking at three different latitudes in the northern hemisphere.

Question Does latitude affect soil pH levels?

Hypothesis Latitude does affect soil pH levels

Introduction/Background/ Significance Prior acid/base knowledge or activities Soil horizons Vegetation growth

Standards Soil consists of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material from dead plants, animals, and bacteria. Soils are often found in layers with each having a different chemical composition and texture. Water, which covers the majority of the earth’s surface, circulates through the crust, oceans, and atmosphere in what is known as the ”water cycle”. Water evaporates from the earth’s surface, rises, and cools as it moves to higher elevations, condenses as rain or snow, and falls to the surface where it collects in lakes, oceans, soil, and in rocks underground.

Materials: Dried sieved soil Distilled H ml graduated cylinder 4 – 100 ml containers scale pH data sheet (hotmail) writing utensil stirring rod pH meter golf tee small shovel 4 marking flags weather station including rain gauge, digital thermometer, and barometer Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 camera

Procedure Mark the soil sample site (choose a secure site that meets GLOBE protocol) with the golf tee. Move 200 cm from the site making sure it is the same soil environment, and dig a hole with the small shovel 50 cm deep. Place flags around perimeter of site. Take a photograph of the soil profile, and measure in centimeters and record data. Use pH meter (take sample once a week). Include all aspects of a weather station (soil temperature, precipitation, and humidity). Place soil samples in small zip-loc bags, record the date, pH, and list any anomalies that may have been noted.

Camera Usage Take pictures of the sample site once every month starting on September 15 until May 15, A picture of the clouds on that particular day should also be taken. Any significant storms that occur during the collection period should also be digitally recorded.

DATA TRANSFORMATION Line graphs and pictures will perform data transformation. Communicate via using Globe database to stimulate student led conversations regarding results.