Campuses:
there are more living organisms in a shovel full of soil than human beings on Earth?
Below your very feet lies a world of soil that for most people, is a mystery. Yet, the complex and variable mixture of minerals, air, water decaying items and countless living organisms that make up soil, sustain virtually every form of life on Earth.
Dig It! The Secrets of Soil takes visitors of all ages into the world of soil, answering questions about what it is and why it is so important to life on Earth.
Soils are alive. They are born, they breathe, they age.
Soils are everywhere. See for yourself - starting November 10!
Presented in conjunction with Dig It! The Secrets of Soil!
Ever wonder why some cities have hundred story buildings while others might only have buildings that are a few stories tall? It might just be because of the soil below! This Soil Saturday, explore how soil plays an important role in building foundations and making architectural decisions. Build a play city on different soils and see what happens when quick sand sink holes develop. Discover how tall you can go stacking blocks on sand and clay—and even build a mini model sod house!
Presented in conjunction with Dig It! The Secrets of Soil!
Visit Dig It! The Secret of Soils exhibit one last time before it closes. Get a chance to play with some of our most popular soil activities including building with clay and sand, visiting with live "decomposers" and testing the chemistry of soils.
University of Minnesota Dept. of Soil, Water and Climate
Soil Testing Laboratory
Soil Horizons Publication
3 M Company and 3M Foundation
CHS Inc.
Thomson Reuters
Action Moving Services
AgStar Financial Services, ACA
Barr Engineering Company
The Mulch Store
Rahr Foundation
Spectrum Research Inc.
The Dust Bowl, a Ken Burns film, explores the epic ecological disaster of the '30s & the perseverance of its survivors. Sunday, 8/7c on PBS.