Mars Soil Simulants

Purpose: To examine characteristics of soil simulants

Materials

• baking pan
• sand or sandy soil sample
• steel wool
• scissors
• magnifying lens
• water
• science journal

Procedure

1. Fill the baking pan half full of sand/sandy soil sample.
2. Cut the steel wool into 2.5 cm (1 in) squares and mix the pieces into the sand/sandy soil sample.
3. Cover the mixture with water.
4. Write a description and draw a picture of the initial appearance of the sample in a science journal.
5. Observe the sample using a magnifying lens and the naked eye and record observations for one week. Add water to keep the mixture moist as needed.
6. Draw conclusions at the end of the week by comparing the initial description and drawing with the final observations.