As part of acid rain study, (environmental chemistry lab) young scholars investigate the differences in pH of soil samples. They will collect and dry samples from the local prairie including grassland, transition, forest and riverbank and compare with teacher collected samples from a mixed forest and lake. Students determine pH levels using Universal Indicator Solution and use Tums to simulate buffering. Young scholars write a lab report describing their results. Students also develop a new, testable question relating to acid rain.