Students are each given a 20 gram sample of an unknown solid compound in a clear plastic bag. they are instructed to break the material into smaller parts by gently hitting it with a hammer. some of the parts break into large chunks and some look like a fine powder. each piece contains the same proportion of different elements.

1. loamy sand is about 80% sand with 10% clay and defined mostly by sand particles with some clay to provide structure and fertility. the sand particles are easily visible and the soil holds structure but breaks apart easily.

2. scott sand can improve his soil quality by incorporating more silt and organic matter into the soil. peat moss and organic matter can also be incorporated.