Soil Erosion Box

Construction Instructions

1. Cut the flaps off of a cardboard box.
2. Cut the box down so that all of the sides are about three inches high.
3. Cut one end of the box so that it is only one inch high. (Make the low side the narrow side if the box is rectangular instead of square.)
4. Use the flaps of the box to separate it into three compartments.
5. Fill each compartment with one inch of soil. The level of soil should be even with the low side.
6. Use peat moss to simulate ground cover. Leave one compartment bare. Cover about half of the surface of one compartment with peat moss (you may need to hold the moss in place with pins). Cover all of the soil in the last compartment with peat moss.

Demonstration Instructions

1. Place the box at the edge of a table.
2. Use a book to prop up the back of the box a couple of inches.
3. Pour water over each compartment with a watering can to simulate rain.
4. Catch the water and sediment in clear containers.

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