AP® Environmental Science: Discover Life in the Soil

Product Details

Overview

In this inquiry lab, students explore the biodiversity that exists in different soil samples. Students collect soil, construct a Berlese–Tullgren apparatus to extract microarthropods, then examine, identify, and count the organisms under a stereoscope. By comparing species richness across soil samples, students gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem services, ecological tolerance, and how organisms adapt to environmental disruptions.

AP® Course and Exam Description Alignment

This activity is aligned to the 2024 AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description, Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity.

Learning Objectives addressed:

● ERT-2.A: Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.

● ERT-2.B: Describe ecosystem services.

● ERT-2.F: Describe ecological tolerance.

● ERT-2.G: Explain how natural disruptions, both short- and long-term, impact an ecosystem.

● ERT-2.H: Describe how organisms adapt to their environment.

Science Practices addressed include:

SP 1.A, 1.B, 1.C (Describe and explain environmental concepts and processes);

SP 4.B (Identify research methods);

SP 5.C, 5.E (Explain patterns in data and what data implies about environmental issues).

Exam Connect questions are included, featuring both free-response and multiple-choice questions aligned to Unit 2 topics and science practices.

Key Features

Real sample data included. Kit instructions always include real sample data—never made up! Teachers have a complete sample data table with organisms identified and counted to guide expectations.

Tested and optimized. Each experiment has been thoroughly tested, retested, and optimized to guarantee safety and success. Scaffolded for all learners. Prelab questions build foundational understanding, a three-part guided procedure walks students through soil collection, apparatus construction, and organism examination, and post-lab questions progress from comparison to research to analysis.

Flexible and adaptable. A lamp is optional—samples can dry at room temperature over 3–7 days or with a lamp in 1–3 days. Students can collect soil from different local locations to compare biodiversity.

Teacher Notes

Estimated Time: Parts A and B (soil collection and Berlese–Tullgren setup) can be completed in one 50-minute class period. Part C (examining organisms) requires an additional 50-minute class period. Drying time between Parts B and C ranges from 1 day (with lamp) to 1 week (without lamp).

Kit accommodates 10 groups of students.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity. No advanced environmental science knowledge required.

Materials: Kit includes screens, petri dishes, plastic bags, toothpicks, isopropyl alcohol, and funnels. Additional Materials: Beakers, scissors, soil samples, graduated cylinders, stereoscopes, lamps (optional), tape, markers, wash bottles, newspaper, bleach solution, gloves, and spoons/trowels.

Safety: Isopropyl alcohol is a moderate fire risk as it is a flammable liquid. It is also slightly toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Soil may contain eye, respiratory, or skin irritants. Do not handle soil with bare hands. Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a chemical-resistant apron.