12 Years in a Sealed Ecosphere
Description: The Ecosphere in this video has been sealed in a glass container for 12 years. No air or food was able to enter or leave the Ecosphere during this entire time yet the shrimp are all still alive. This phenomenon can be used in the elementary science classroom to introduce plant and animal needs. It can be used in middle and high school to address matter cycling and energy flow.
Web Resources: Ecosphere (aquarium) on Wikipedia, Ecospheres
Woodpecker Homes
Description: Woodpeckers drill holes in wood to catch and eat insects. They can also create entire homes in trees for the winter. These homes occasionally damage the tree itself. Some woodpeckers will confuse log homes for trees and try to build their homes inside human homes.
Web Resource: Audobon - Woodpecker Winter Homes
Biological Weathering
Description: The roots of certain trees are able to break rocks over time. This is one type of biological weathering that can be seen around the world. Rocks can also be broken down by bacteria, algae, lichen, and small animals. Weathering of a sidewalk or the headstones in a cemetery are great places to find this phenomenon.
Web Resources: The Geological Society
Biological weathering, Harrison Rocks - geograph.org.uk
