Biology & Chemistry of Soil Lab

Grades 7-10.
Discover the many organisms living below the earth’s surface! While students quickly recognize some forms of life such as plants, fungi, and earthworms, they will be amazed by the diversity of microlife that inhabits the tiny air spaces between soil particles. The class will explore the relationship between the environmental conditions of the soil (moisture, acidity, and alkalinity) and the existing microbial population. Using a Berlese apparatus, the students will also extract and identify the various small arthropods present. From the data collected, students further define the soil ecosystem, calculate diversity indices, and determine the symbiotic relationships that exist in each unique biotic soil community. Materials for 40 students.