The overview of this contest is students will measure and calculate the soil pore space, determine soil pH by chemical test, and use field textural analysis techniques to identify the properties of two unknown soil samples and classify them by name using the texture triangle. Students will complete three labatory experiments and related soils science math calculations within one hour.

The level for this contest is only for middle/junior high school and it can be individual or in teams. There can only be three teams per center. There may only be a limit of 1-2 students per team.

1. Lab Tables

2. Running water or water in pitchers

3. 2 cups of pre-measured soil samples, approximately 500 mL of each sample

4. 2 clear plastic cups or graduated beakers per team

5. 1 (one) 100 mL graduated cylinder per team

6. pH indicator solution with dropper, cavity dishes, and pH color chart per team

7. 1 copy of the Official Entry Form, Math Problems Sheet, and Textural Triangle per team

8. Pencils

9. Plastic Bags for used wet soil

10. Broom & Dustpan