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1. Label each soil collection container (6 total) with its own number and the date of collection using the masking tape and pen. 2. Note surface type: short grass (<10 cm), long grass, bare soil, trees overhead or nearby, etc.     3. Remove any grass in sample area but be careful not to mix or damage the soil. 4. Dig a hole 10 cm in diameter and 5 cm deep. (coffee cans are 10 cm diameter) 5. Sort out rocks that are larger then a pea (5 mm) and remove animals (worms, grubs, etc.). 6. Fill the soil collection container _ full (approx. 100 g). 7. Remove the soil down to 8 cm. 8. Dig the soil down an additional 4 cm (12 cm total) leaving this soil in the hole. 9. Repeat steps 5-6 for this 4 cm deep layer 10. Seal the container and store away from heat or sunlight for transport back to the lab or classroom. 11. Take 3 soil moisture samples each collecting period, from a depth of 0-5cm, and 10 cm. The second and third samples should be within 25 cm of the first sampling point. 12. Sample collecting period should be every 3 weeks for a nine to ten month school year. Take samples at the same time of day, avoiding the morning.

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