To make a field determination of slope, have the students use a meterstick, place it horizontally, and level it with a carpenter's level. One end must be resting on the soil when checked. Place a second meterstick vertically at right angles to the horizontal stick. After a heavy rain, collect samples of run-off water in collecting jars from various slopes and soils, and allow them to stand. Measure the sediment from the various situations, and notice the amount, color, and size of the particles.
Soils form the foundation of the forest ecosystem.
Soils must have sufficient nutrients and water in order to supply the basic elements that trees need to live. When a forest is cut, there is no protection for the soils from erosion. The soil is washed away, and plant life can no longer grow because of a lack of soil. Groundwater pollution from landfills, pollution from streams, and acid rain all affect the soil. Ask your students to investigate different areas to determine what areas might be suffering from pollution to the soil.