ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems

Students learn about the effects of human traffic on soil compaction and the effects of compaction on water infiltration on a trail area.

Collection of soil related projects and experiments for all grades.

Lab investigate of seed germination

In this lesson, students will study plant growth in soils with different nutrients and physical compositions. By examining data, students will come to understand the effects of nutrient depletion in the Amazon and the impact of tree and plant removal from Amazon soils.

Explains importance of trees to human sustainability, includes graphics, maps and photos

the fundamental “problem” -- is there enough land for everything?

Multimedia interactive explores how nitrogen is managed in agriculture. Includes explanations.

Soils around the world vary in color, texture, structure, and chemical, physical, and biological composition. Slides and activities on soil orders

In the hot, wet areas of the world, large jungles can form, with lots of different trees, animals, and flowers. Not all tropical soils are jungles. Includes slides and activities

Everything that we eat has nutrients. Nutrients get into the soil many different ways: from decomposed animal waste and dead plants, the atmosphere, weathering of rocks and bacteria conversions. Slides and activities