Exploring the Earth’s Critical Zone with Edible Model Cross Sections
Finishing touches with a gummy bear representing animal life and the lollipop representing plant life in the organic layer above the soil layer.Copyright 2023 Eric Parrish, University of Colorado Boulder
The Critical Zone is the layer of the Earth that extends from bedrock to treetops. It is within this layer that rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms interact and shape the Earth's surface. It is also here where all known life on Earth exists! In this activity, students learn about and explore the critical zone by creating their own cross-section out of food treats.
Studying and understanding the critical zone is important to environmental engineers’ work. Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control, all of which occur in the critical zone.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain what the critical zone is.
- Describe the layers within the critical zone.
- Explain why the critical zone is critical to the health of the environment.
- Understand that all life exists within the critical zone.