Know and describe the roles of oxygen, carbon, and nutrient cycling in the soil
THEME: The Living Soil–The Living Plant: We are all Interconnected and Related
STRAND: Science of Living Soil
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
Key Concepts
Understand that aerating the soil and incorporating organic material impacts plant growth.
Lesson
Students build anaerobic (without oxygen) and aerobic (with oxygen) compost systems, collect temperature data, and observe change over time, using visual and olfactory cues.
Compare and contrast compost piles using different ratios of carbon and nitrogen, moisture, etc.
Gently aerate garden beds to add oxygen for the health of fungus, bacteria and insects.
Add water, carbon, and nitrogen (stable organic material) to improve plant health and support micro and macroorganisms.