Nebraska K-12 Science Education Summit 2017

In this session, we will present participants with a real-world phenomena—two neighboring farm fields experiencing different flooding conditions weeks after a heavy rainstorm. A follow-up soil structure activity and rainfall demonstration will be performed using two similar soils which have experienced different tillage management. Participants will explore how students can use these soil investigations and research of existing soil health information to support their explanations of the flooding phenomenon.
Activities in this session are part of a larger curriculum developed as part of an EPA Environmental Education Grant. The curriculum unit is standards-aligned and suited for a high school audience (grades 9-12). It provides a framework for students to understand the complex adaptive systems involved in the food system, preparing students to make future personal decisions related to environmental sustainability.