Lab #: 2

Date: November 04, 2021

Topic: Soils
Aim: to compare the water –holding capacity of three types of soils
Apparatus: scale, funnel, filter paper, measuring cylinder
Method: 1) Set up three sets of apparatus as shown in the diagram. Use 100g samples of A, B, and C
2) Draw a table as shown below
3) Pour 100cm3 of water through each sample
4) Wait until no more water is passing through the samples and record the volume of water which pass
through each.
Diagram:

Title of Diagram
Results:
Title of Table
Soil sample A Soil sample B Soil sample C
Initial amount of
water poured (cm3)

Amount of water
drained
through(cm3)
Amount of water
retained in soil(cm)

N.B. Show a sample calculation for the amount of water retained by one of the soils

Discussion:
Questions

September 2021 J. Spence & D. Bonnick 1

 1. Define soil
2. State types of soil
3. Properties of each soil ( texture, structure, porosity, particle size)
4. Functions of soil
5. Define water holding capacity
6. Through which soil did the water flow (i) most quickly, (ii) most slowly? Explain your reason
7. Which soil retained (i) least water, (ii) most water? Explain your reasoning
8. From the data, which do you think is the sandy soil? Explain your reasoning
9. From the data, which do you think is the clay soil? Explain your reasoning

Limitations/ Source of error:

1.
2.
Precautions

Conclusion: (must be related to aim)

NB. This lab exercise will be assessed for Analysis and Interpretation (AI) as well as Manipulation and
Measurement (MM) as students will be assessed on their ability to use the measuring cylinder.

September 2021 J. Spence & D. Bonnick 2

 Mark Scheme for CSEC Day School (May/June 2021)

IRWIN HIGH: BIOLOGY

Lab # 2
Date
Title Water holding capacity of soils
Skills ORR AI MM PD D

Criteria Mark
A Background:
-Statement of theory/ definitions of terms 2

B Observation:
- Uses values obtained to identify trends/anomalies in data 2
C Discussion:
- Uses theory to explain results 2
- Explains any unexpected results
D Conclusion:
-supports or refutes the aim 1
- based on the data collected 1
E Limitations/Sources of Error/Precautions 2
Total: 10 Marks
Skills ORR AI MM PD D
Criteria Mark
A Measuring Cylinder:
-place measuring cylinder on flat surface 1
-pour at eye level 1
-measure at the base of meniscus 2
-read at eye level 1
Total: 10 Marks

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