They pick up more clues in Lesson 16 by comparing the plants grown in various samples, including local soil. Recording the height of all 30 plants on a classroom chart enables students to compare how well each sample has sustained plant growth. Pooling their data, students draw final conclusions about what their local soil contains. This unit motivates students to observe carefully, keep accurate records, and synthesize information from multiple experiments. Through hands-on activities and class discussions, students answer many of their original questions about soil and pose new questions as well.
Additional assessments provide four more strategies for evaluating student progress.