GLOBE Assessment
Grade 9-12

Math Activity for Protocol Test

Soil Temperature Protocol Test

The Soil Temperature protocol test assesses students' ability to select a site, prepare and calibrate a thermometer, and to accurately collect soil temperature data.

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students--> Student activity & Level of Performance + appropriate student performance - inappropriate student performance n.a. not appropriate or not observed

Select a Site

Select relatively flat, non compacted sunny area - 5 m diameter w/ uniform characteristics

Note if it has rained with past 24 hours

Preparation & Calibration

Insert thermometer into wooden block so 7 cm extends beyond bottom of block

Calibrate thermometer using atmosphere calibration thermometer

If > 2° C difference reset thermometer per manufacturer's directions

Soil Temperature Measurements

Make pilot hole 5cm deep using nail

Remove nail using twisting motion

If ground cracks / bulges, move 25 cm; retry

Insert thermometer into block to 7 cm

Insert block + thermometer into pilot hole

Record temp at 2 min.; repeat at 1 min. intervals until consecutive reading are 0.5 - 1.0° C; record on data sheet

Remove block + thermometer using twisting motion; remove thermometer from block

Insert thermometer into pilot hole to 12 cm.

Record temp after 2 minutes; repeat at 1 minute intervals until consecutive reading are 0.5 - 1.0° C; record on data sheet