Objective: The objective of this lab is to enhance our understanding of ciliates and how they are classified to characterize the ciliates found in our soil sample.

Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to find, identify and classify ciliates from our soil samples. We will then determine our soil type by calculating % of sand, silt, and clay within our sample.

Procedure:

1. Retrieve the Falcon tube that corresponds to your appropriate identifier.
2. Determine which layer is silt, sand, and clay.
3. Using a ruler, calculate the percent of silt, sand, and clay in the soil sample by measuring each layer in centimeters.
4. Using the chart provided, determine the soil type of the soil sample. Record your results.
5. Retrieve your non-flooded plate. Create a thin layer used to examine organisms by pushing the soil from the non-flooded plate to one side of the petri dish.
6. Place the soil sample under a dissecting microscope and examine for any movement.
7. If any moving organisms is found, transfer them to a concavity slide and place on a compound microscope.
8. Use a compound microscope to find and identify the organisms.
9.  Clean work station before leaving.

Data:

Soil Type: sandy clay

Observations: 

Conclusion:  In conclusion, I was finally able to discover a culture of ciliates within my soil AFTER rehydrating the sample. I found that the ciliate has characteristics and features that would be found in the class Litostomatea.

Storage: The non-flooded plates of soil were stored within the correct lab section. Falcon tubes were returned to the test tube rack. All microscopes were covered and put away and slides were washed and left to dry.

Future Goals: I plan to use the information found on ciliates to help classify the one found today  and use this information in my final presentation.