For this Earth science investigation, students examine the composition of soil samples taken from three different depths at the same location. Students answer questions such as “How do the three samples compare? How does the soil feel? Look? Smell? What sorts of things are included in it? Are there any living creatures? Will a hand lens help me find out?” Students measure, count, and graph the number of rocks greater than or equal to 3 cm in diameter. Finally, they estimate the percentages of seven soil components for each of the three samples.