Materials
Controlled Variables:
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Gallon jug
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Mustard powder
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Spray bottle w/ water
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Rulers
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thermometer
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Tweezers
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Strainer
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Hand shovel
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PH Meter
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Damp Cloth
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Ball
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Distilled Water
Independent Variables:
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Soil texture
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PH
Dependent Variables: Worms (amount)
Methods
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Fill gallon jugs with water
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Holding a ball, spin 10 times and throw it randomly to determine the location
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Once the location is decided, set up your rulers in a one by one foot square
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Remove any debris on top without disturbing the vegetation
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Record soil and air temperature and any additional condition
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Dig out a bit of dirt and remove any debris that is inside. Then soften the soil with distilled water.
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Place the PH meter inside the softened soil and write down the PH
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Using the Soil Texture Hand Test, find the soil type
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Put ¼ cup of mustard powder and put it in a gallon jug with water (leave room on top for shaking
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Shake gallon jug to eliminate any settling
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Set timer for 10 minutes. Slowly pour the jug of your mustard powder solution in your designated area.
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Half of the jug in the first 5 minutes and the rest in the last 5 minutes
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Once worms come to the surface, use tweezers to pull them off with the strainer, and a spray bottle to clean the worms off and then put them in the box.
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After 10 minutes are up, record the types of worms and how many you found.
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Once finished repeat steps 2-13 three more times.