Project Hero Soil Quest - Uncover: Soil & Climate
Grades6, 7, 8Chemistry, Biology
What it is
- This resource details how healthy soil is able to sequester carbon and release less carbon into the atmosphere.
- Students will consider how important soil is in minimizing carbon release into the atmosphere, the benefits of healthy soil, and how soil plays a role in carbon cycling.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This resource is a great introduction to the relationship between soil, carbon, and our climate.
- The videos and chart are easy to understand and engaging.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should have some prior knowledge of carbon and soil.
Differentiation
- Cross-curricular connections can be made in social studies classes that are discussing ways governments can help the environment and communities.
- Science classes can connect this resource to lessons about the ecosystem benefits of forests and natural environments, erosion, the benefits of organic and regenerative farming, and the carbon cycle.
- Try using the "Questions to Consider" at the end of the resource as group work. Groups of students can tackle each question in an in-depth way, then teach their peers.
- Other related resources include this carbon cycle coloring page, this lesson plan about soil, and this video about the importance of soil.
From the scientist review
The resource emphasizes how soil affects climate. It highlights the fact that unhealthy soil releases more carbon that has been sequestered, particularly when it is broken up by inversion tilling, deep plowing, sub-soiling, or bulldozing. The material is suggested for teaching because it is informative in gaining a greater understanding of the relationships between soil, carbon, and climate.
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