Categories: Chicago

JJC Backyards Turned into Labs

Joliet Junior College students are turned towards remote learning as COVID-19 Pandemic took a toll on all aspects of life. Joliet Junior College agriculture and horticulture students have turned their backyards into labs as they collect soil samples from outside their homes. When the college moved to online-only learning, this practice was among other unique ways the professors reshaped the curriculums.

Throughout the summer, classes will be held exclusively online. The possibility of face-to-face labs at JJC this fall would happen if conditions improve per the Restore Illinois plan. Payton Sheridan, from Milford, who just graduated from JJC said, “I think that it is a neat experience to take soil samples from our own family farms.”

He’ll be pursuing a bachelor’s in agribusiness from the University of Illinois. He added, “We currently have soil samples taken every so often to keep up to date with pH, potash, and phosphate levels. Learning how to do this myself helps me to have a better understanding of the process.” Multiple soil samples were pulled by the students.

The students, then mixed for an aggregate result. The final sample was sent to GMS Laboratories, Inc. in Cropsey. “Taking my soil samples from my house was fun and interesting to learn what my soil was comprised of,” said Haley Dillon, an agribusiness student from Joliet. “Due to the results I received from GMS Labs and the help of web soil surveys I came to the conclusion that my soil is comprised of Andres soil.”

Some students sampled gardens or landscaping while others had sampled their family’s farmland, said JJC Professor Tammy Miller. “Both scenarios provide the students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained in their class (AGRI 126 introductory soils) to interpret the results and potentially make improvements to their personal soil,” said Miller.

Gabriella Remillard

Staff writer for the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Senate Democrats mock Biden for selling weapons to Israel

Some of President Biden's strongest Senate allies are calling on Israelis to end months of fierce fighting and criticizing the…

10 months ago

The biggest cities in Ukraine are struck by Russian missiles, leaving at least 4 dead and over 100 injured

Ukraine's KYIV — At least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured when Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles attacked Ukraine's…

10 months ago

Good News That’s Much Needed for Biden

The economy is making Americans feel a little more upbeat, especially when it comes to jobs and incomes, which could…

11 months ago

College Ventilation System Reveals Missing Man

The discovery of a decaying body inside a college ventilation system marked the tragic and unexplained end to a missing…

11 months ago

Following three Palestinian shots, a Vermont man was arrested

Following the shooting deaths of three 20-year-old Palestinian-American students in Vermont, authorities have detained a man. According to a news…

11 months ago

China is told to cease “COVID deception” due to the pneumonia outbreak by the US envoy

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, urged Chinese authorities "to abandon COVID deception" and demanded that China be…

12 months ago

This website uses cookies.