Lab 12: Soil Texture Assay
Michael Angelo
11-8-18
Soil Texture Assay
Objective:
The objective of the lab was to apply the core concepts of evolution and natural selection to explain diversity of soil ciliates. Another objective was to use the Learning Theory Concept of Growth Mindset. Also, classifying major classes based on morphology and determining the percent compositions of our soil collections.
Purpose:
The purpose of the lab was to obtain more data for our future presentations regarding our soil ciliates.
Materials:
-Vortex
-Micropipette
-Falcon Tube
-Compound Microscope
-Dissecting Microscope
-Sodium Pyrophosphate
-Glass Slide
Method:
-Soil Texture Assay
- Put the soil and then water in the Falcon Tube (4mL of soil and 6mL of water) to where the net volume is 10mL.
- Add a drop of sodium pyrophosphate into the tube and vortex the tube until the mixture separates by densities.
- Shake the the tube and put it into the rack for it to settle for the next class.
– Soil Ciliate Discovery Part Two
- Set up the Dissection microscope.
- Place the Non-flooded Plate.
- Adjust the zoom of the microscope to focus the surface of the water.
- Set the micropipette (5-10uL) to 10.00uL and pipette the water near the sandy and silty region.
- Pipette the water obtained and put it on a glass slide.
- Set up the compound microscope and put the glass slide on its tray.
- Adjust the zoom and attempt to find microorganisms such as ciliates.
- Culture found ciliates.
Data:
- Soil Ciliate Discovery Part Two
Results:
I was able to distinguish a ciliate in one of the four droplets I observed and I cultured it into the PPT Media.The soil in the Falcon Tubes will be measured during the next lab for percent composition.
Conclusion:
The lab was really guided through the help of our LA, Kaitlyn. I was able to complete the objectives of the lab and had a better understanding of morphology and the Growth Mindset. Growth Mindset will allow me to know approach and think in a new and improved perspective.
Future Steps:
In the next upcoming labs, my partners and I will obtain more data about our soil ciliates. Such as soil percent composition and finding new ciliates in our soil collections that will be cultured in our PPT media. Also, we will prepare a presentation based on our discoveries.