The Soil Tunnel is a mobile, interactive teaching aide designed for grade school audiences. The emphasis of the program is to present soil information in a unique, hands-on approach. Wearing a headlamp, students enter amidst hanging grass. Once inside, roots and rocks dangle overhead while side panels display soil horizons, color, insects and animals. Outside, upright panels teach students the importance of soils through colorful words and pictures.
Trays hold various samples for students to feel.
A trained intern who presents a dynamic lesson transports the display to schools. The Tunnel and accompanying educational materials are left in the contact person's care for the week. The PCCD currently manages the program, while NRCS staff provide technical assistance and supervision. The Tunnel is an interactive display whereby students in grades K-6 can learn the concepts of Soil Science as it relates to agriculture, conservation, and land use. The display itself is the width of the average office desktop.