Help with Science Fair Experiment!

[KLAIT]

Ok, my son is in the 4th grade and has a science fair coming up that we are working on. He elected a project where he has to dig a sample of soil, put it into a bottle, add water and shake it, let it settle and siphon the water out to see the different strata.

They have to do this with the scientific Method. I do understand the Scientific Method (or I thought I did) until the worksheet that accompanied the project has these 2 areas ...

Problem or Purpose

Your Question

Now, I am at a loss what to put where? I would assume that the question is somthing like : Is soil made of different size and weight compoinents?

What would the Problem or Purpose be?

Thanks!

 

[BratTink]

The problem or purpose would be to find out what strata the soil contains.

The question, you're correct, What is the strata of soil?

I know its the same exact thing, but you don't say if he has to discuss why is doing the experiment or if he needs more than one sample. If he does then my answers would change to what are the different strata in different samples; and my question would be similar, What are the different strata in different soil samples.

 

[KLAIT]

Yes, he does have to explain why he is doing the experiment and no, not more than one sample. (Thank goodness as he and my DH had to go out and shovel almost 3 feet of snow to get to the soil)!

 

[BratTink]

Ok, so the problem/purpose is why and the question is what we already said. Have fun!

 

[KLAIT]

Thanks, BratTink! Appreciate your help!