Grass and other plants have an important job. In this experiment, you will see what that job is. Ask an adult to help you.

You Will Need:
• 2 wide-mouth jars
• 2 funnels the same size
• Potting soil
• A clump of grass, including roots and soil
• Water

You Will Do:
1. Place a funnel in each jar.

2. Fill one funnel with potting soil.

3. Fill the second funnel with the grass clump.

4. SLOWLY pour about one cup of water into each funnel.

What Will Happen in the Potting Soil Jar:
The water will carry much of the soil through the funnel. The water will turn brown and muddy.

What Will Happen in the Grass-Clump Jar:
The water will carry only a little bit of soil into the jar. The water will not turn as brown or muddy.

Why?
The roots of the grass are like fingers holding onto the dirt. Grass and other plants help to keep soil from eroding, or washing away.