AP Env. Science B Course Resources
Module 9: Geology, Soil, and Land Management
Instructor Information
Emily Kroutil
Email: Emily.Kroutil@gavirtualschool.org
Phone: 470-238-8663 (voicemail)
The resources in this newsletter are in addition to those found in MODULE 9: Geology, Soil, and Land Management of your course content. You should first go through the content and complete the quizzes and activities. These resources are to supplement your understanding of the concepts. Please contact me if you have questions!
ASSIGNMENT RESOURCES AND TIPS
Assignment: Soil Threats Summary
- The handout and activity for this assignment is on page 5 of the module.
LAB: Soil Quality
- The handout for this lab can be found on page 5 of the module.
- Here is the link to the Virtual Soil Lab: http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/CT02/CT02.html (it can also be found in the sidebar on page 5 of the module)
- Make sure to include ALL parts (Title, Introduction, Materials/Procedure, Data Collection, Analysis/Discussion, Conclusion) in your lab report for full credit.
- The Introduction and Conclusion sections should be written in paragraph form (NO BULLETED LISTS)
- This site (https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx) is a great resource for creating a graph. Excel is also a popular choice. This VIDEO shows you how to create a graph with Excel.
- Please be sure to you read the rubric to help you earn full points on your lab.
- Here is a template for the lab report needed for this lab (includes formulas, data tables, hints, etc.): https://www.dropbox.com/s/0jz646hwpnfd2q9/soil%20quality%20lab%20KROUTIL.docx?dl=0
- Here is a video walking you through how to complete this lab (including the lab report): https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/0a503d6b-1429-4fc2-98e7-0afe8cb9de52
- Q: Where can we find more information about standard permeability classes?
- A: This link (http://www.fao.org/tempref/FI/CDrom/FAO_Training/FAO_Training/General/x6706e/x6706e09.htm) gives you more information about permeability. If you scroll down a little bit to tables 15 and 16, you will see permeability classes and the rates associated with each class.
- Q: The lab mentions taking notes on salinization right after it discusses the virtual lab. Where can I find the information about salinization?
- A: In the sidebar on page 5, there is a link to a handout about salinization next to the link for the virtual lab: http://cms.gavirtualschool.org/DEV17/Science/APEnvironmentalScience/Softchalks/10_GeologySoilLandManagement/salinzation.pdf
- Q: The lab says "Complete the Virtual Soil Lab and take notes on the procedures necessary for testing the salinity of the soil." So what do we do since the virtual soil lab doesn't involve salinity?
- A: Do the virtual soil lab (porosity/permeability) AND salinity using the link above. You will need the information in both for the analysis questions and module/AP exam.
- Q: In the session recording you mentioned us creating our own sand, silt, clay, and sample chart but where would we get the sand, silt, and clay from? I used a dry soil sample, put it in a coffee-filter-lined funnel, and let 10 mL of water drip through and timed it, but how would I repeat this process for the sand, silt, or clay?
- A: You will need to do part 1 of the lab first. This part allows you to separate the different parts of your soil into sand, silt and clay. Once it is separated from part 1, you can use those different parts for part 2 with the funnel.
- Q: Where does the distance traveled come from? Is that the distance from the bottom of the jar to the top of the funnel?
- A: The distance is the height of your soil sample in the funnel. So, for example, you will put 20 grams of the sand portion of your sample into the funnel. Measure the height of that 20 grams in the funnel. Then pour 10 ml of water into the funnel and start your timer as you do this. Once water starts coming out of the bottom of the funnel, stop the timer. Then, you could calculate the rate of water flow, which is basically the speed that the water flows through the soil in the funnel, which is distance traveled/time.
- Q: The lab says it takes 24 hours. Does it really?
- A: In order to get the clay to fully settle out, it will take 24 hours. However, the silt and sand should settle out after about 30 minutes. If you know the height of the sample you started with, you can subtract the height of the silt and sand from the total and get the height of the clay, even if it hasn't fully settled out yet. I describe this process in this video:
Soil Quality Lab Walkthrough
https://youtu.be/S6ECQcbrcoQ
DISCUSSION: Soil Salinity Causes and Solutions
- Use the RUBRIC to help you write a discussion posting that will earn full points.
- Read this ARTICLE about salinization.
- Create a post describing a plan to remediate an agricultural area where the soil has become unusable due to salinization. Outline the original cause (you determine the reason(s)), realistic solutions for that area, ongoing management and crops to be grown after remediation. Review the diagrams on page 5 of the module to help you compose your discussion post.
- Make sure when you respond to your classmates that you post AT LEAST a 2-3 sentence response. "I agree with..." or "I disagree with..." is not enough to earn full points for a response. You must say why you agree or disagree and back up your reasoning.
QUIZ: Threats to Soil
- Complete the Soil Threats Summary assignment BEFORE you begin the quiz.
FRQ: Geology, Soil, and Land Management
- To receive full credit for the free response question, you will need to show all steps necessary to explain how the answer was found.
- The College Board used to offer 11 possible points for each FRQ, but a student can never earn more than 10 points on an FRQ. So your FRQs will be graded out of 10 points.
- Watch these videos for help answering FRQs: FRQ Tips and Tricks Part 1, FRQ Tips and Tricks Part 2
- FRQs may NOT be resubmitted for a higher grade.
TEST: Geology, Soil, and Land Management
- Do not begin your test until you have completed all self-assessments, assignments, and the review items and feel confident in your understanding of this material.
Additional Resources
Soil Quality Lab Walkthrough
https://youtu.be/9eWZsWmS_nU
https://youtu.be/XdnHKolt06M
https://youtu.be/7LfK0xQ5K_o