SOIL LAYERS

Most everyone has been exposed to topsoil but did you know that soil has six different layers? This section will help children understand the different types of layers of soil and why golf courses use a variety of combinations to create fairways, greens, and tee boxes. Through an On Course Adventure to visit a head greens keeper and a series of activities and definitions, your children will become aware of the importance of soil layers and how they relate to golf. Activities available:

Vocabulary words Soil diagram Coloring work sheet for 6-8 year olds Identify and define work sheet for 9-12 year olds Word Find for all age groups On Course Adventure to head greens keeper

Key words for this section: Topsoil the upper fertile layer of soil from which plant roots take nutrients.

Humus a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic portion of soil. Eluviation the transportation of dissolved or suspended material within the soil by the movement of water when rainfall exceeds evaporation. Regolith the layer of loose rock particles that covers the bedrock of most land on earth. Bedrock the solid rock beneath loose rock particles or soil. Mineral a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature; broadly : any of various naturally occurring homogeneous substances (as stone, coal, salt, sulfur, sand, petroleum, water, or natural gas) obtained usually from the ground.
1.1

Objective/Lesson:

To identify soil layers (use narrative and diagram). This lesson will give an understanding of different layers of soil and how they affect the golf course.

SOIL LAYERS

Narrative: Definitions:

Explanation of Soil Layers. Without different layers of soil the greens and fairways would be the same.

Topsoil the upper fertile layer of soil from which plant roots take nutrients. Humus a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic portion of soil. Eluviation the transportation of dissolved or suspended material within the soil by the movement of water when rainfall exceeds evaporation. Regolith the layer of loose rock particles that covers the bedrock of most land on earth. Bedrock the solid rock beneath loose rock particles or soil. Mineral a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature; broadly : any of various naturally occurring homogeneous substances (as stone, coal, salt, sulfur, sand, petroleum, water, or natural gas) obtained usually from the ground.

I N S T R U C T O R
Materials: Direction: Activity Time: On Course Adventure:

Soil Diagram (provided) color pencils As a group, discuss the definitions of the vocabulary words. 1. Distribute soil diagram and color pencils or crayons. Ask each child to label each layer of soil. Color each layer. 2. Word Find 3. On Course Adventure 2-day lesson (45 minutes/1 hr. On Course Adventure) Have students visit the Greens Keeper. Discuss the difference of the fairway, rough and greens and the layers of soil in those areas. Discuss the elevation of the greens and the soil layers that possibly created these contours. Examine the removal of the pin hole and identify the different layers of soil present.

1.1.1

ALL AGES

SOIL LAYERS

SOIL LAYERS NARRATIVE

The Soil Diagram is a teaching tool to help your students learn about Soil Layers. Display the diagram for your students and review the six layers of soil. This will help students understand the geographic make-up of their golf course. The soil layers vary depending on where you are in the country or world. In the continental US, golf courses in the north may look different than those in the south. Observe the types of grass on your course, the irrigation patterns, and weather. Take a look at the cup on your green and see what various layers of soil comprise the green.

I N S T R U C T O R

1.1.2

ALL AGES

SOIL LAYERS
AGES

COLOR THE LAYERS

1 2 3

4 5 6

6-8
1.1.4

IDENTIFY & DEFINE THE SOIL LAYERS

(Using the definitions you learned)

SOIL LAYERS

1 2 3

AGES

9 - 12

4 5 6

1.1.5

SOIL LAYERS

L Q J Y L O A A N M K L Y R W C S S W L E P V A A Y T I O F R Q A E

WORD FIND
How many words you can find? (0-6) Bogie; (7-12) Par; (13-16) Birdie; (17-19) Eagle; (20) Ace!

3
VISIT THE GREENS KEEPER

I N S T R U C T O R

Bedrock Clay Eluviation Fairway Golf Greens Horizons Humus Layers Mineral Deposits

Natural Gas Organic Material Rain Regolith Sand Silt Sub-Soil Topsoil Turf Water

B I I T Q V O U N K R A X I L R F B W M L S J E D O A C G Z H G V E Y I S R E U O Z A B N A E W M L R Z R A N E L U I R I Z G D N B S T Q F Z R W S R D H L K Y O A U Z W R J W H N S S Q A Z L I O B N A T U R A

O I Z E S L

A H Z B G

G Z R U A O Z T L S S I S Z Z F R U B Z K E O S I T I T A I

ALL AGES

T R S V U L E Q

M I N E R A L D E P A P K E R V K Z N O

Discuss the differences between fairway, rough and greens and the soil that are in those areas.

2 Discuss the elevation of the greens and the soil layers that possibly created these contours. 3 Examine the removal of the pin hole and identify the different layers of soil.

1.1.6

SOIL LAYERS

L Q J Y L O A A N M K L Y R W C S S W L E P V A A Y T I O F R Q A E

WORD FIND
How many words you can find? (0-6) Bogie; (7-12) Par; (13-16) Birdie; (17-19) Eagle; (20) Ace!

Bedrock Clay Eluviation Fairway Golf Greens Horizons Humus Layers Mineral Deposits

Natural Gas Organic Material Rain Regolith Sand Silt Sub-Soil Topsoil Turf Water

B I I T Q V O U N K R A X I L R F B W M L S J E D O A C G Z H G V E Y I S R E U O Z A B N A E W M L R Z R A N E L U I R I Z G D N B S T Q F Z R W S R D H L K Y O A U Z W R J W H N S S Q A Z L I O B N A T U R A

O I Z E S L

A H Z B G

G Z R U A O Z T L S S I S Z Z F R U B Z K E O S I T I T A I

ALL AGES

T R S V U L E Q

M I N E R A L D E P A P K E R V K Z N O

3
VISIT THE GREENS KEEPER

Discuss the differences between fairway, rough and greens and the soil that are in those areas.

2 Discuss the elevation of the greens and the soil layers that possibly created these contours. 3 Examine the removal of the pin hole and identify the different layers of soil.

1.1.7

SOIL PERMEABILITY
What is Soil Permeability? Soil Permeability is the ability of a material (generally an earth material) to transmit water. Simply thinkHow well does water pass through sand? or gravel? or clay? The more water that is transmitted, the more permeable the material is. Our experiment gives you a chance to test different types of soil and its permeability. Other activities will help your students learn about earth materials found on the golf course. Activities available:

Crossword puzzle & secret decoder exercise. Includes simple definitions of golf course related items for 6-8 year olds Crossword puzzle with advanced definitions for 9-12 year olds Soil Permeability Experiment to test different types of soil for 9-12 year olds

Key words for this section: Permeability Ability of a material (generally an earth material) to transmit fluids (water).

Sand a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral. Gravel rock fragments and pebbles. Clay a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired. Black Soil A particular kind of earth or ground. Texture the feel of a surface (fabrics, soil, etc.).

1.2

CROSSWORD
ACROSS I N S T R U C T O R

S L A F Y I

SOIL PERMEABILITY

Use your vocabulary words to solve the puzzle.

G O C L L

2. Your favorite game you play with clubs

and a ball. 3. Sometimes red and sometimes gray, this kind of soil rhymes with hay . 5. Raindrops help __ __ __ __ __ the golf course.

O
4

DOWN

S T E

O R S

1. Dirt is also called __ __ __ __ .

3. Black, blue, and green are all __ __ __ __ __ __ . 4. Found in trapson the golf course and at the beach.

W A N D

WHATS SHE SAYING?

Use the secret code translator below to find out!
G O O D D R A I N A G E O N I S

AGES

6-8

I M P O R T A N T T H E G O L F

C O U R S E

A Z N M

B Y O L

C X P K

D W Q J

E V R I

F U S H

G T T G

H S U F

I R V E

J Q W D

K P X C

L O Y B

M N Z A

1.2.1

CROSSWORD
ACROSS

S L A F Y I

SOIL PERMEABILITY

Use your vocabulary words to solve the puzzle.

G O C L L

2. Your favorite game you play with clubs

and a ball. 3. Sometimes red and sometimes gray, this kind of soil rhymes with hay . 5. Raindrops help __ __ __ __ __ the golf course.

O
4

DOWN

S T E

O R S

1. Dirt is also called __ __ __ __ .

3. Black, blue, and green are all __ __ __ __ __ __ . 4. Found in trapson the golf course and at the beach.

W A N D

WHATS SHE SAYING?

Use the secret code translator below to find out!

AGES

6-8

A Z N M

B Y O L

C X P K

D W Q J

E V R I

F U S H

G T T G

H S U F

I R V E

J Q W D

K P X C

L O Y B

M N Z A
1.2.2

Objective: Instruction:

To test several types of soil and see how permeable each type is. 1. Teach vocabulary words to students. 2. Place materials in 2 different areas for the groups. 3. Have the students perform the experiment and record information in data tables provided.

SOIL PERMEABILITY

Vocabulary:

Permeability Ability of a material (generally an earth material) to transmit fluids (water). Sand a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral. Gravel rock fragments and pebbles.

I N S T R U C T O R

Clay a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired. Black Soil A particular kind of earth or ground. Texture the feel of a surface (fabrics, soil, etc.)
Materials: Fine screening 2 square feet cut into 4" squares Duct tape 2 measuring cups (2 cup capacity) Container of water 2 Pair of Scissors 6 Sheets of white paper Pencils (enough for each participant) 2 - 16 oz. clear plastic cups 6 - 16 oz. styrofoam cups (with bottoms cut out) Select 3 different types of soil (gravel, sand, clay, black soil) Magnifying glass Watch with second hand Data Table handout (provided) 1. Distribute vocabulary handout and discuss. Have students write definitions on sheet. 2. Divide students into 2 groups and have each group. 3. Take 3 pieces of white paper & place 3 different types of soils on the paper. 4. Observe the color and texture of soil and record it on the data table.

Direction:

5. Predict which soil will have the water run through the fastest to the slowest. Rate your decision on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the fastest. 6. Tape fine screening to each of the 3 Styrofoam cup bottoms. 7. Place 2" of soil type 1 into the first styrofoam cup. Place 2" of soil type 2 into second styrofoam cup; place 2" of soil type 3 into third cup. 8. Using measuring cup, pour 10 oz. of water into plastic cup. 9. Hold the styrofoam cup with soil type 1 over the measuring cup on table and slowly pour the water into it. 10. Record how much water runs through it in one minute, 3 minutes. 11. Repeat with the other 2 types of soil. Time: Post Discussion Questions: 45 minutes How did your prediction compare with results? Which soils would be best to use as drainage? How are these soils related to drainage of fairways and greens? How does the texture compare with its water permeability? Do you think the results would change if you packed the soil in to the can? Why is soil permeability important on a golf course? How do the rules of golf for standing water and non-drained areas apply?

1.2.3

AGES

9 - 12

The experiment shows how the different types of soil and the rate of compaction can influence permeability on the golf course.

SOIL PERMEABILITY

Vocabulary:

Permeability

Sand

Gravel Clay Black Soil Texture

1.2.4

ALL AGES

What are we learning today?: Group Materials:

To test several types of soil and see how permeable each type is. Fine screening Duct tape Measuring cup (2 cup capacity) Container of water 2 Pair of Scissors White paper Pencils 1 - 16 oz. clear plastic cups 3 - 16 oz. styrofoam cups (with bottoms cut out) Different types of soil (gravel, sand, clay, black soil) Magnifying glass Watch with second hand Data Table handout (below) 1. Take 3 pieces of white paper & place 3 different types of soils on the paper. 2. Observe the color and texture of soil and record it on the data table. 3. Predict which soil will have the water run through the fastest to the slowest. Rate your decision on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the fastest. 4. Tape fine screening to each of the 3 Styrofoam cup bottoms.

SOIL PERMEABILITY

Direction:

5. Place 2" of soil type 1 into the first styrofoam cup. Place 2" of soil type 2 into second styrofoam cup; place 2" of soil type 3 into third cup. 6. Using measuring cup, pour 10 oz. of water into plastic cup. 7. Hold the styrofoam cup with soil type 1 over the measuring cup on table and slowly pour the water into it. 8. Record how much water runs through it in one minute, 3 minutes. 9. Repeat with the other 2 types of soil.

ALL AGES

SOIL TYPE

SOIL TEXTURE & COLOR

PREDICTED PERMEABILITY

AMOUNT OF WATER AFTER 1 MINUTE

AMOUNT OF WATER AFTER 3 MINUTES

1
2 3

1.2.5

CROSSWORD
1 2

Use your vocabulary words to solve the puzzle.

SOIL PERMEABILITY

T P E R M E A B I L I T Y X L W A T E R A C U C O L O R R A K P E B B L E S Y O I S G R A V E L N O D R A I N A G E L F
3 5 6 7 8 9 10

I N S T R U C T O R

AGES

9 - 12

ACROSS

2. Ability of a material

DOWN
3. 5.

1. the feel of a surface or

4. 6. 7. 9. 10.

(generally an earth material) to transmit fluids (water). used to irrigate the golf course. a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit. small rocks or rock fragments. crushed rock the ability to draw off a liquid; gradual or continual drying

8. 9.

a fabric. A particular kind of earth or ground. a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired. a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral. your favorite game that you play with a ball and clubs.

1.2.6

CROSSWORD
1 2

Use your vocabulary words to solve the puzzle.

SOIL PERMEABILITY

10

AGES

9 - 12

ACROSS

2. Ability of a material

DOWN
3. 5.

1. the feel of a surface or

4. 6. 7. 9. 10.

(generally an earth material) to transmit fluids (water). used to irrigate the golf course. a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit. small rocks or rock fragments. crushed rock the ability to draw off a liquid; gradual or continual drying

8. 9.

a fabric. A particular kind of earth or ground. a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired. a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral. your favorite game that you play with a ball and clubs.

1.2.7

EROSION
What happens when wind constantly blows over soil? Or when waves steadily crash onto the beach? Erosion is a natural process that occurs over time and affects location and design of each golf course. Consider the maintenance of golf courses located near the coastline, such as Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St. Andrews versus other inland golf courses, such as the TPC at Summerlin, Las Vegas. The erosion experiment is appropriate for all ages. The activity will help students learn what causes erosion and its effects on the golf course. Key word for this section: Erosion removal of rock and soil material by natural processes, principally running water, glaciers, waves and wind.

1.3

EROSION

Definition: Objective: Lesson:

Erosion removal of rock and soil material by natural processes, principally running water, glaciers, waves and wind.
To identify erosion and explain the cause of erosion. Erosion Experiment Potted Plant, Soil, Water, 12 Small Rocks, 3 Disposable Aluminum Trays, 3 Containers of Water, Newspapers, Books. Divide children into 3 groups. Divide trays, soil, rocks, water, newspaper, small containers of water in different areas.

I N S T R U C T O R

Materials: Instruction: Direction:

Divide the students into 3 groups and instruct them to go to designated area with the materials. Instruct the students to cover the area with newspaper. Instruct them to fill their tray with soil, patting it down firm into place. Position rocks in the soil so they cannot move about freely. Place the narrow side of the tray on a book (to put the tray on a slant).

ALL AGES

Have one of the students pour little drops of water starting at the highest part of the tray, so water can run down the soil. Tell the students to notice any changes that are taking place in their trays. See if the soil and rocks are moving out of position. Direct another student to pour larger amounts of water at the highest part of the tray. Now describe the changes that are taking place. Following discussion, take a potted plant out of the pot, with the soil intact. Show how the roots of the plant hold the soil in place. Time: Post Discussion Questions: On Course Adventure: 45 minutes How does this relate to golf? How do we prevent the erosion of soil on the golf course? Over time, what would happen if divots aren't repaired on a tee box? Have students check for signs of erosion the next time they play golf on the course, noting locations.

1.3.1

The experiment shows how water on bare soil can create erosion.

EROSION

Without plants in the soil, observe what happened to the soil.

ALL AGES

What is Erosion?: Erosion is the removal of rock and soil material by natural processes, principally running water, glaciers, waves and wind. What are we learning today?: Materials: Getting Ready: Directions Part 1: To identify and explain the cause of erosion. Soil, Water, Rocks, Disposable Aluminum Trays, Containers of Water, Newspapers, Books, Pencil/Pen. Your instructor will give you trays, soil, rocks, water, newspaper, small containers of water. 1. Cover the area with newspaper. 2. Fill your tray with soil, patting it down firm into place. 3. Position rocks in the soil so they cannot move about freely. 4. Place the narrow side of the tray on a book, so the tray is on a slant. 5. Pour little drops of water starting at the highest part of the tray, so water can run down the soil. 6. Write down changes taking place in your tray. Are the soil and rocks moving out of position? 7. Pour larger amounts of water at the highest part of the tray. Now describe the changes that are taking place. On Course Adventure: The next time you are out playing, check for signs of erosion. Can you guess what has caused it?

1.3.2

GOLF COURSE CARE

Have you ever wondered why golf courses are always in such good condition? It takes a lot of work by many people to help maintain the beauty of each golf course. This module will help students examine the needs of a golf course in order for it to be ready for daily use or championship play. There are a lot of variables that go into the maintenance of a course, each one different for parts of the course (greens, fairways, rough). Understanding how fertilizers, irrigation, aeration, and de-thatching all play a part in the maintenance process is important. After learning about these concepts, students will have the opportunity to meet with a grounds keeper to see the process in practice and ask questions. Accompanying exercises are available for the students to reinforce what they will have learned.

Activities available:

Maze and Word Jumble for 6-8 year olds Vocabulary words On Course Adventure to head greens keeper for 9-12 year olds

Key words for this section: PH The symbol for the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Fertilize To spread fertilizer on (fertilizer-chemicals used to enrich the soil). Soil Composition Consistency of surface layers of Earth. Irrigation The process of supplying dry land with water through artificial means. Herbicides Any chemical substance used to destroy plants. Fungicides Any substance that kills mildew. Thatch A layer of organic matter that begins to grow between the base of a plant and the soil. Usually discussed as a problem with lawns as dead roots and stems accumulate.
1.4

FIND
STAR T
I N S T R U C T O R

See if you can find the green. Watch out for weeds and pests!

THE

GREEN

GOLF COURSE CARE

AGES

WORD JUMBLE
SOIL COMPOSITION HERBICIDES IRRIGATION FUNGICIDES THATCH FERTILIZE

After discussing the words below, distribute to students

6-8

See if you can match the words with the scrambled ones in the other column!

TREEFZILI ECREBIDISH CISUNDEFIG ILSO ONPICOOMSIT RINGAITORI CHATTH

1.4.1

FIND
STAR T

See if you can find the green. Watch out for weeds and pests!

THE

GREEN

GOLF COURSE CARE

AGES

WORD JUMBLE
SOIL COMPOSITION HERBICIDES IRRIGATION FUNGICIDES THATCH FERTILIZE

6-8

See if you can match the words with the scrambled ones in the other column!

TREEFZILI ECREBIDISH CISUNDEFIG ILSO ONPICOOMSIT RINGAITORI CHATTH

1.4.2

GOLF COURSE CARE

I N S T R U C T O R

Objective: Lesson: Instruction:

To understand care and maintenance of a golf course. Field trip to meet with the head greens keeper and examine the maintenance shed. 1. Set up an appointment with the head greens keeper and maintenance crew for a student field trip. Supply him/her with list of possible questions. 2. Teach vocabulary words to students.

3. Write down questions you want the greens keeper to answer for the children. Vocabulary:

PH The symbol for the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Fertilize To spread fertilizer on (fertilizer-chemicals used to enrich the soil). Soil Composition Consistency of surface layers of Earth. Irrigation To supply land with water through artificial ditches. Herbicides Any chemical substance used to destroy plants. Fungicides Any substance that kills mildew. Thatch A layer of organic matter that begins to grow between the base of a plant and the soil. Usually discussed as a problem with lawns as dead roots and stems accumulate.
Materials: Direction: Pencils Paper Before the meeting, have the students write down questions to ask the greens keeper. Have them take notes on the answers and recognize how the greens keepers maintain the courses during the changing seasons. 60 minutes What is the composition of the soil? How do the layers of soil differ from the greens to the fairways? How often do you fertilize the course? What kind of fertilizer do you use? Is the fertilizer non-toxic to the environment? How do you remove thatch? What insects are helpful and which ones can damage a golf course? Do you overseed the course and if so how many times per year? How often do you irrigate the course? What time of day do you water the course? How does your maintenance differ from what other courses do in different areas of the country? What equipment do you use?

ALL AGES

Time: Suggested Questions:

1.4.3

GOLF COURSE CARE

Introduction:

We are going to go on a field trip to the golf course to meet with the person who is in charge of keeping the course looking nice. This person mows the grass, waters the course, maintains the beauty of each hole and the surrounding area. We are going to learn how and why things are done when and where they are in accordance to the laws of nature. PH Fertilize Soil Composition Irrigation Herbicides Fungicides Thatch Write down questions to ask on your field trip. Take notes on the answers and recognize how the greens keepers maintain the courses during the changing seasons. You may use the back of this sheet to take notes.

Vocabulary:

AGES

Directions:

9 - 12

Questions:

1.4.4

T WA ER MODULE
IN PRODUCTION
You will receive each Module as they are completed.

PLANTS/TREES MODULE
IN PRODUCTION
You will receive each Module as they are completed.

GRASS MODULE
IN PRODUCTION
You will receive each Module as they are completed.

WILDLIFE MODULE
IN PRODUCTION
You will receive each Module as they are completed.