Forest soil communities and ecosystems
The tasks are designed to function as one comprehensive whole, in which case 2–3 lessons should be reserved. Each part can also be used independently to support other soil-related teaching. These materials are made in collaboration with MUUMAA soil researchers 2025-2026.
Materials: 1. The forest ecosystem - scientific background: What is the soil like in a forest? What kind of ecosystem surrounds it? Who lives there and what do they need to survive? Soil is an incredible life-sustaining entity, whose functions and diversity are easily unnoticed by the human eye. If we take a closer look at the soil, we can see that it consists of different components. These components are various minerals, living organisms, dead organic matter, air, and water. The ratio of these components determines how the soil appears to us: for example, is it very dry mineral soil (little water and lots of minerals) or nutrient-rich humus soil (lots of water and organic matter)? And what do we know about the surface layer, the topsoil? Read the full text here! 2. In the soil - the puzzle The puzzle game illustrates the mosaic-like nature of soil and its special characteristics in three different habitats: natural forest, clear-cut area, and human-made park. These habitats have their own functions that shape the environment and affect species diversity and ecosystem functioning. The special characteristics and differences can first be studied by assembling the puzzle and then combining the different functions with their explanations into the habitat. 3. Forest Soil Community - a sensory card deck about forest organisms An illustrated card deck for outdoor teaching that introduces organisms from the forest soil communities and sensory ecology. Each card introduces a different species connected to the forest soil, the sense or sensation associated with it, and a suggested activity. The cards can be used to help with group formation and introductory rounds, and various tasks and workshops have been designed around them. 4. Potworm's lunch exercise This task deals with the life of an important decomposer in forest soil by making your own potworms and feeding them. In this exercise, students get to use their imagination and experience the world of worms through hands-on activities. 5. Soil Dwellers art exhibition As a part of the forest soil themed package we produced an art exhibition Soil Dwellers, to the nature house Villa Elfvik in 2025. You can get to know the forest soil through the art works and the artists interviews from the exhibition page. |
