1. Question
Do plants reduce soil erosion by trapping soil with their roots?
Predict
Plants DO or DO NOT help reduce soil erosion by trapping soil with their
roots. (Circle one.)
If you poured water on both sides of the pan, which side would erode more,
the GRASS SIDE or the SOIL SIDE? (Circle one.)
1.
2.
Based on your prediction, draw what the
pan looks like before you pour the water.
Based on your prediction, draw what
you think the pan will look like after
you pour the water.
Draw Your Prediction
Science Save Our Soil
Weathering, Erosion, and Soil
© 2001 K12, Inc. All rights reserved. 2S08-06 Page 1 of 2
Name Date
Save Our Soil Lab Sheet
Conduct this experiment using a baking pan filled half with soil and half with planted grass.

2. 1. Tilt the pan over a bowl to catch the water runoff.
2. Pretend it is raining. From the top, slowly pour 1 cup of water evenly over the
grass side. Repeat using 2 more cups of water.
3. Keep the water in the bowl and set it aside.
4. Using a separate bowl to catch the runoff, repeat steps 1-3 for the bare soil side.
5. Compare the amounts of soil in the water and observe both sides of the pan.
Investigate
Conclusion
Draw what the pan looks like
after your experiment.
Plants DO or DO NOT help reduce soil erosion by trapping soil
with their roots. (Circle one.)
How do you know? _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Was your prediction correct? _________________________________________
On what side did the "rain" erode more soil? _____________________________
Remove a small section of grass, pull it apart, and shake some of the soil from
the roots. Observe the tiny roots with a magnifier.
Does soil cling to the roots? __________________________________________
Science Save Our Soil
Weathering, Erosion, and Soil
© 2001 K12, Inc. All rights reserved. 2S08-06 Page 2 of 2
Name Date
Save Our Soil Lab Sheet
3.
4.