4-Hers Sample Sports Turf Science

July 22, 2015

How fast does a golf ball roll?  How hot is the turf? How much water does the soil hold?

These were among the questions discussed when 24 Prince George’s County 4-Hers turned to the IAA for a science lesson.  “Educators are focused on STEM areas now--science, technology, engineering and math,” explains IAA Director Glori Hyman, “And agriculture has it all.  Combine that with the cool gadgets and the Maryland football field, and you have a winning lesson.”

IAA Lecturers Kevin Mathias and Roy Walls created hands-on learning for the enthusiastic youth using a stimpmeter to measure the speed of a rolling ball on a grass surface, a thermometer to measure soil temperature at different depths, a Field Scout TDR Soil Moisture meter to measure soil moisture a Clegg Impact Hammer to measure surface hardness, a Trimble GPS unit to measure area and a Smart Level to determine surface slope.

“We wanted the kids to use math, science and technology to learn about factors that affect turf quality and safety issues for the athletes,” says Walls who coordinated the event with Prince Georges County 4-H leader Laura Manzi.

“It’s all about exposure,” adds Mathias.  “Students come to the IAA by way of exposure.  The kids see sports turf as an area of science and eventually maybe even a career option.”