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Completion and problems. Periodic tables and calculators may be used on the test.
Homework: Throughout the semester problems will be assigned in order for you to better
Comprehend the concepts and math involved. This homework will not be graded, however you
Will be able to use these assignments on quizzes. The problems assigned will be similar to those
Which will be on the exams.
Quizzes: will be used to check for understanding. Quizzes cannot be made up.
Laboratory: The laboratory portion of the course provides an opportunity to integrate lecture
Concepts with observable activities and is critical to understanding chemical concepts. Safety
Goggles are available for purchase in the bookstore. Attendance in lab is mandatory and the
Instructor must validate that you actually assisted in the collection of data. Borrowed results
Are not acceptable and all parties involved will receive a grade deduction. Lab reports are due at
The beginning of the next lab class. Late lab reports will not be accepted. Failure to wear safety
Goggles, not following instructions or using unsafe procedures is unacceptable and may result in
Your dismissal from further labs. Field trips will be taken as a part of lab in order for students to
Gain 1
st
hand experience in soil testing and analysis.
Final lab- A special activity involving application of the principles of scientific method and inquiry
Will occur the last two lab sessions and are due at the end of the last scheduled lab day. A
Formal lab report must be completed.
Tentative Course Outline:
Reading
lab schedule
Week 1
Soils, Soil Ecosystems
p.1-9
No Lab
Week 2
Soil Formation, Classification
p.10-14
soil texture
Week 3
Soil organic matter & pores
p. 15-40
soil solution & buffering
Week 4
air, water, porosity & permeability
p. 40-55
porosity & permeability
Week 5
Soil physical properties
p.55-70
soil properties
Exam #1- Chapters #1-3
water conservation
Week 6
Soil Climate
p.71-76
soil fertility
Week 7
Soil water, potential & retention
p.87-109
soil water
Week 8
soil biology
p.111-133
soil organisms
Week 9
Carbon, nitrogen cycles & microbes
p.134-168
soil organisms
Exam #2 Chapters #4-8
plant nutrition
Week 10
nutrients in plants & soil
p.169-198
macronutrients
Week 11
managing plant nutrients & fertilizers p.199-239
soil analysis
Week 12
acidity, salinity & soil genesis
p.212-248
pH
Week 13
organic soils
p.249-300
soil formation
Exam #3 Chapters 9-12
soil sampling & testing
Week 14
Soil information & surveys
p.301-338
soil survey
Week 15
soil degradation & control
p.353-383
soils as filters
Week 16
uses of soil & water quality
p.385-405
final lab
12/7
Final Review
12/9 Final Exam