Steve B.

Lenny S.

 

The Jar and Water Test
Lab Report

PURPOSE:

To determine the composition of a soil sample, sand, silt and clay by the Jar and Water Test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Soil from the back of the Middle School. Construction was done there recently.
Glass Jar
Ruler
Tap Water
Calgon (Water softener)

Followed the directions for the test from the class handout. Mixed two cups of soil with the water softener and added tap water to the top of the jar. Shook jar for several minutes and allowed soil to settle. Measured the three layers with a ruler.

RESULTS:

Top Layer (Clay) – 2/8 inch (0.25) Middle Layer (Silt) – 2/8 inch (0.25) Bottom Layer (Sand) – 1 ¼ inch (1.75)

CALCULATIONS:

Total measurements – 1 6/8 inches (1.75) Clay – (0.25/1.75) x 100% = 14% Silt – (0.25/1.75) x 100% = 14% Sand – (1.25/1.75) x 100% = 71%

CONCLUSIONS:

The area behind the baseball field at our middle school is mostly sand with just a little bit of clay and silt combined in the soil.