You might want paper towels, garbage bag, and broom and dustpan to be on hand. Science Connection Suspending soil in water allows it to separate into layers. Some of the soil sinks, and some of it floats. Larger, denser particles settle first, making the bottom layer in your sedimentator. You might see some tiny pieces of rocks, dead plants and animals.
Rocks break down over time due to the effect of wind, water, and temperature.
Why To be a soil scientist by actually taking soil apart. Tighten the cap and shake it up. Examine what happens inside the bottle. Now slowly add cold water until it is almost full. Tighten the cap.