Too much carbon or not enough? AppSciComm hosts STEM teachers at Ijams Nature Center

Science communication in Appalachia isn’t just by science writers. It’s also all about science and STEM teachers. And that’s who joined us for the latest in-person AppSciComm event in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Two organizing members of our group hosted a science talk and guided walk led by University of Tennessee environmental soil professor and Extension specialist Forbes Walker. The topic was how through photosynthesis, plants take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and sequester the carbon in their roots and biomass, which reduces a critical greenhouse gas and the potential for atmospheric warming. 

The wide-ranging conversations also covered easy and low-cost demonstrations teachers can use with their students; biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment made from wood residue; gauging soil fertility by soil color; understanding major soil types found in the United States; and even how farmers can most effectively compost dead livestock. All of this and more fits under the broad umbrella of soil science.

On the guided walk, Forbes used a soil probe to show how widely soil fertility varied across a grassy and tree-filled slope at the nature center. And, as always, there was lots of time for questions and answers in this great science-centric gathering.

Teachers said they loved this active-learning opportunity, and the county public schools system granted them in-service credit for taking part, making for a great day for all!