Superabundant
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APChemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Oregon Public Broadcasting
What it is
- This video explores why the Pacific Northwest has excellent soil, how this region's geology was formed, and how historic changes in climate contributed to the soil in Oregon today.
- Students will learn about the origins of soil, the diverse soil composition in Oregon, the many volcanoes in Oregon, plate tectonics, and how soil is created when fungi interact with weathered rocks.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video is engaging and well-produced.
- Students will enjoy the animations and video clips used to illustrate the topics discussed.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students need to understand how old the Earth is and have a basic understanding of what plate tectonics is.
- It may help to pause the video for the map of the world when Oregon was under water so that students can see where all of the continents were at that time.
Differentiation
- The video can help students understand the connections between climate change and changing conditions on land.
- The video could supplement a lesson where students apply scientific reasoning and evidence to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history, connecting changes in past climate to changes in ecosystems on land.
- After watching the video, the teacher could lead a classroom discussion on how humans can protect the health of Earth's soil.
- Science classes could use this video to supplement lessons about paleoclimates, the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems, and the importance of nature in providing food and resources to humanity.
From the scientist review
Oregon has a fascinating geologic history, evidence for which exists in its soils. This resource is recommended for teaching.
How we review resourcesReady to use it?
Hosted on opb.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
