Agricultural Science Leaving Certificate

[Pages:50]Agricultural Science

Agricultural Science Leaving Certificate

Experiments

Name: Exam Number:

List of experiments to completed with the aid of this booklet:

#

Experiments

Page

Soil Science

2

1 To investigate the structure and texture of a soil (sedimentation method)

3

2 To Determine the % Humus (Organic Matter) in Soil

5

3 To determine the pH of a soil

7

4 To Show Flocculation in Soil 5 To Show The Activity of Earthworms in the Soil

9 11

Plant Physiology

14

6 To show the conditions necessary for germination

15

7 To show that light is needed for photosynthesis

17

8 To show capillarity in a plant stem

19

9 To Demonstrate Osmosis in a Potato Plant

21 23

10 To Show the Dry Matter in a sample of Silage

Animal Physiology

26

11 To demonstrate the activity of liver enzyme catalase

27

12 To show the presence of Lactose in milk

29

13 The Percentage of Water and Solids in a sample of Milk

31

14 To Dissect a Sheep Heart

33

Genetics

36

15 To demonstrate variation in inheritable characteristics in a classroom of students

37

16 Observation of characteristics from crossbreeding animals

39

Microbiology

42

17 To show how to grow a bacteria culture

43

18 To assess the bacterial quality of a sample of milk

45

Writing up a laboratory experiment:

You must include the following headings for each write up, marks are awarded for clear step by step instructions and descriptions.

1. Title/Aim 2. Apparatus 3. Chemicals 4. Method 5. Results 6. Conclusion 7. Diagram

Soil Science 10 Marks

Experiment 1 ? To Determine Soil Texture by Sedimentation Apparatus: Sample of soil; 250ml Graduated cylinder; Water; Stopper.

Method

1. Collect a sample of soil. 2. Place 50cm3 of the soil into the graduated cylinder. 3. ? fill the cylinder with water, stopper the cylinder and shake well. 4. Allow the soil to settle (sediment) overnight. 5. Examine and measure the volume of sand, silt, clay and humus. 6. Calculate the % of each in the soil sample.

Experiment 1 ? To Determine Soil Texture by Sedimentation

Date: ...............................................................

Materials / Apparatus: ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ............................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ...............................................................................................

Procedure / Method:

Apparatus Diagram:

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

Results Vol of Sand = ___________ Vol of Silt = ____________ Vol of Clay = ____________

% Sand = _____________ % Silt = ______________ % Clay = ____________

Conclusion: .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Experiment 2 ? To Determine the % Humus (Organic Matter) in Soil Apparatus: Sample of dry soil; Evaporating basin; Electronic balance; Bunsen burner; Tripod stand; Tongs; Wire gauze.

Method:

1. Obtain a sample of dry soil (place soil in an oven at 100O C for 48 hours) 2. Weigh an empty evaporating basin. 3. Place the sample of soil into the evaporating basin and re-weigh. 4. Calculate the weight of the dry soil. 5. Place the evaporating basin on a wire gauze on a tripod over a bunsen flame. 6. Heat the sample of soil strongly. 7. Note the smoke and smell. 8. After five minutes, cool the sample and reweigh. 9. Continue heating in 5 minute intervals and re-weighing to a constant weight. 10. Calculate the % humus in the soil.

Experiment 2 ? To Determine the % Humus (Organic Matter) in Soil

Date: ...............................................................

Materials / Apparatus: ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ............................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ...............................................................................................

Procedure / Method:

Apparatus Diagram:

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

Calculations / Results:

Percentage Organic Matter:

100

=

................. 100 = ..................... %

.................................

Percentage Inorganic Matter: 100 =

................. 100 = ..................... %

.................................

Conclusion: .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Experiment 3 ? To Measure the pH of Soil Apparatus: Test tube; Test tube rack; Deionised water; Funnel; Filter paper; Beaker; Glass rod; Universal Indicator

Method:

1. Obtain a sample of soil. 2. In a beaker, mix some of the soil with deionised water and stir well. 3. Filter the soil solution into a test tube through filter paper. 4. Add 2-3 drops of Universal Indicator to the filtrate. 5. Compare the colour of the solution with the colour chart to determine the pH of the soil.

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