Test Soil pH using BT11 STEM Lab

In this experiment we test soil pH using Polytech’s BT11 Teacher’s STEM Lab Kit.

Method

We collect and mix 100g of soil and 200ml distilled water to create a solution that we filter. We use the filtered solution to measure the pH levels using BT11’s pH sensor. We monitor the result on the computer screen.

Start Tutorial

Resources

View PhET Simulation on pH Scale

Contents

  1. Sampling
  2. Equipment Setup Instructions
  3. Connections
  4. Usage Instructions

Equipment

  • BT11 Teacher’s STEM Lab Kit
  • 500ml Beaker (x2)
  • Cone
  • Scale

Materials

  • 200ml Distilled water
  • 100g homogenus soil sample
  • Paper filter

Hardware & Software

  • Windows PC with Bluetooth
  • ilab for Windows Application

Warnings/safety

  • There are no special safety requirements for this experiment.
  • The soil should be taken from the same depth below the surface each time you test.

Info

  • Take at least two soil samples per test
  • Mix the samples to get a homogenous sample
Close Course

1. Sampling

  1. Collect samples of soil from the test area.
  1. Mix the samples to create a homogeneous sample. Weigh out 1 unit of soil (100g).
Continue
  1. Add 200 ml distilled water to it.
  2. Stir the sample for 30 seconds.
  3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Continue

2. Equipment Setup Instructions

  1. Assemble the retort stand with two metal rods connected with a boss perpendicular to each other.
  1. Adjust the clamp on the horizontal rod
Continue
  1. Fix the cone to the clamp
  2. Add a paper filter to the cone
Continue
  1. Filter the solution liquid into a clean beaker
Continue
  1. Remove the cone from the retort clamp and fix the pH sensor probe facing downwards.
Continue

3. Connections

  1. Connect the pH sensor to the BT11 with UTP cable.
  1. Connect the BT11 to the computer with wireless connection. (For further instructions consult the “Operating BT11” manual).
  2. Turn on the BT11 datalogger by pressing the button on the right side.
Continue

4. Usage Instructions

  1. Stir the solution again. Put the beaker with the filtered solution under the sensor probe. Make sure the sensor probe is thoroughly inserted in the solution.
  2. Hold the probe in the solution at least 1 minute before the reading.
  1. Run the iLab application and select Start .
  1. On the screen that appears press the icon
  1. On the window Select display mode that is now open, select the following:
  1. Watch your measurement with pH meter on the screen.

End of tutorial

Scroll to Top