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Trouble Shooting
We hope these tricks can help you to have a successful experiment!
Outside:

-Before starting any experiment gather supplies and label materials


-Make sure you have access to a sugar maple tree and that you are allowed to place markers into the ground

-A sugar maple has leaves that are 3-5 inches wide and usually have pointed lobes. For more information, use a tree identification guide. To the right is a chart of other maple leaves for comparison.











-Be careful to not harm the environment when taking samples (ex. trampling plants, leaving trash)


-Wash off the soil core extractor betwen each use to avoid contamination. We used a stream running through the site, but a bucket of water can also be used.


-You may have to use a hammer to insert the soil extractor into the ground. Then, turn the extractor 360 degrees clockwise and pull it out of the ground.


-When outside, bug spray, long sleeves, pants, and boots may be helpful


-Bring safety equipment such as a first aid kit


-Beware of poison ivy, fallen branches, or any environmental dangers


-Stay hydrated!


Images From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/evelynfitzgerald/4171384377

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acer_pensylvanicum_5475332.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acer_spicatum_5349056.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Norway_Maple.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_rubrum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Silver_maple_leaf.jpg

  

In the lab:

-We used the LaMotte STH, Model STH-14 Test Kit to perform chemical testing, but any chemical test kit can be used.


-Follow chemical test instructions exactly. Make sure all samples are recorded in Parts per Million (PPM).


-Wear googles and gloves when performing chemical tests


-Wash test tubes, pipettes, and stirring rods between tests to avoid contamination