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.
Scientist Notes
Oregon has a fascinating geologic history, evidence for which exists in its soils. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS1: Earth's Place in the Universe
HS-ESS1-3 Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
HS-ESS1-6 Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.
ESS2: Earth's Systems
HS-ESS2-7 Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
