State/representative soil is one of many symbols (e.g., tree, flower, bird, etc.) adopted by citizens to be recognized as an important item to their state. We have developed a set of laboratory exercises, assignments, and exam questions utilizing the state/representative soil that gives college students an opportunity to practice interpretation of soil series descriptions, taxonomic classes, soil forming factors, and soil physical and chemical properties. Sixty-seven Clemson University students from various fields (horticulture, forestry, agricultural mechanization, agricultural education, wildlife biology, and environmental science) had a hands-on experience with the State/Representative Soil Project during the CSENV 202: Soils course taught in the spring of 2006. Student responses to the laboratory exercises were strongly positive, both in terms of how the State/Representative Soil Project helped them understand a range of soil science topics as well as their practical applications. Incorporation of the State/Representative Soil Project into agricultural science education should have a significant impact on the quality of soil science education and training. (Contains 4 tables.)