New Mexico State University
Soil Sampling: Random Sampling a Small Field with Hammer Probe
There's some serious science behind farming! A quick video lesson presents the process of collecting a random field soil sample for analysis. Instruction includes what a random sample looks like as well as how to prepare the sample for...
New Mexico State University
Soil Sampling: Getting Started
Taking a sample of soil requires more than just a shovel and bucket. Viewers learn about the important factors to consider when taking a soil sample in an informative video presentation. The narrator demonstrates the process in an actual...
New Mexico State University
Properties of Soil: Dispersion and Flocculation
Add a little salt to your soil and see what happens. A video demonstration shows how soil with high and low sodium content interacts with water. A quick experiment demonstrates the properties of dispersion and the role sodium has in the...
New Mexico State University
Runoff and Infiltration: Surface Cover and Runoff
Where did all the good topsoil go? Viewers use a visual presentation to learn how surface cover protects soil from water runoff. The video presenter shows the result of a rain shower by comparing freshly planted soil and another sample...
New Mexico State University
Runoff and Infiltration
Soil infiltration has less to do with the soil than what is covering the soil. A quick video presentation demonstrates how different soil samples use water. The instructor takes note of both the infiltration demonstrated by each sample...
New Mexico State University
Soil Sampling: Soil Variability
Not all soil is created equal. Learners examine what to look for in a soil sample to identify key characteristics that don't require lab testing. They see that it's easy to verify observations by comparing the samples to a soil map.
New Mexico State University
Soil Sampling: Random Sampling Across a Large Field with Hammer Probe
What defines a random sample? Scholars learn how to collect a random soil sample from a large field. The narrator explains the importance of ensuring the sample is random and shows how to create a random sample before sending it to the lab.
New Mexico State University
Soil Sampling: Probe Versus Shovel
You won't find any holes here. An earth scientist demonstrates the process of collecting a soil sample in a quick video presentation. She uses two different tools and discusses the benefits of each.
Learning Games Lab
Why Study Soil?
Some scientists spend their entire careers analyzing and learning about soils. An interesting video lesson provides an overview of what soil scientists do and why. Pupils learn how soil analysis connects to other branches of science...
Learning Games Lab
Soil Infiltration: Soil Porosity Testing
Soil pollution has a longer reach than may seem possible. A video presentation demonstrates how a seemingly isolated soil contamination spreads and even reaches waterways. The lesson demonstrates how scientists conduct porosity tests...
Learning Games Lab
Cation Exchange
Understanding soil composition requires an understanding of chemical bonding. An informative video lesson shows learners how the atoms and molecules in the soil form ions that attract and repel other atoms and molecules. The...
Learning Games Lab
The Olsen Test for Phosphorus
A short video teaches viewers about the Olsen Test, a soil test specific for plants grown in arid regions. The soil in arid regions has a higher pH and plants require special treatment to thrive. The video provides information about the...
Learning Games Lab
Properties of Soil
How do the different types of soil allow water to flow? Scholars compare flocculated and dispersed soils and their ability to move water through the soil. Silt, sand, and clay particles clump together and create large pores in the soil...
Learning Games Lab
Choosing A Career
Careers in science aren't limited to labs. Pupils learn about different aspects of careers in agriculture through the lens of several scientists. The scientists talk about how the field of soil science is a growing in this important...
SciShow Kids
What's the Dirt on ... Dirt?
Dirt or soil? What's the difference? Actually, dirt is soil as explained by the video's high-energy speaker who goes on to emphasize its importance. She describes the composition of soil as minerals, water, air,...