ESS2.E: Biogeology

Though we cannot see respiration, we can observe the result. This simple activity can be used to demonstrate the relative amount of microorganism activity in the soil. Water and a food source are added to the soil, and a balloon is placed on the bottle to collect the carbon dioxide released as the organisms decompose the food source.

In healthy soils, sand, silt and clay particles are held together by "soil glues", or glomalin. This activity demonstrates how these soil glues help aggregates hold together, especially when very wet.

A short graphic novel connecting the carbon cycle, soils, and climate change

This activity from NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory introduces students to the scientific understanding of the greenhouse effect and the carbon cycle. The activity leads them through several interactive tasks to investigate recent trends in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

This is a series of exercises to introduce the role of sediments and sedimentary rocks in the global carbon cycle and the use of stable carbon isotopes to reconstruct ancient sedimentary environments.

his activity uses a qualitative nitrate test to observe results of some conversions and transformations in the nitrogen cycle.

A time-lapse video that shows bioturbation by 3 earthworms species.

A flow diagram for teaching texture by feel analysis.

The online Soil Biology Primer is an introduction to the living component of soil and how it contributes to agricultural productivity and air and water quality.

Students learn about types of land use and their respective environmental effects.