Task 2

Materials and tools for a working group:

various soil samples, plastic cups (approx. 3dcl), measuring cup, water, stopwatch, cup holder (e.g. tray).

The teacher begins the task by talking about houseplants. He asks the pupils whether they help watering house plants or plants in their class. The teacher directs the discussion towards the openings on the underside of the pot and towards the bowls below the pot. He asks the pupils how they think the water gets into the bowl when we pour the plant from above. The research question should arise from the discussion: Which material (soil) permits the most water and which least? Pupils make predictions according worksheet provided by teachers. They should suggest how they can verify their predictions.

For example, pupils can use plastic cups (0.5l) to make a hole (about 0.5–1cm) in the bottom. They should ensure that the holes on each glass are approximately the same. They then put the same amount of material (e.g. a full 3dcl cup) into each cup, onto which they pour the same amount of water (e.g. 2dcl). Water that flows out of the glass should be collected and measured – so they find out how much water remains in the materials. In addition, they can detect the time it takes for water to run out of the glass. After verifying the predictions, pupils write down their findings, compare them with the predictions and try to draw a conclusion.