Fact or Fiction

Students test their knowledge about phosphorus, the phosphorus cycle, and the issues surrounding global sustainability

• Phosphorus Fact or Fiction! Activity
• Fact or Fiction Cards
• Phosphorus Fact or Fiction Statements (answer key included)

Phosphorus Cycle

Students explore how phosphorus moves through aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by considering the ways that it is transferred and stored.

• Phosphorus Cycle Activity Sheet
• Phosphorus Cycle Game Sheets

Investigating Pollutants in the Ecosystem

Students test hypothetical samples of soil/water in order to identify sources of pollution and infer the potential effects of pollution on an ecosystem.

• The Pond: Investigating Pollutants in the Ecosystem Activity
• The Lopez Family Pond Story
• Pollutant Handout

Too Much of a Good Thing? 

Students analyze well water data to determine the cause of a phosphorus plume in an area that caused a devastating fish kill.

• Too Much of a Good Thing? Activity

Led by Prof. Gail Jones, STEPS has created a number of instructional materials focused on phosphorus sustainability with the aim of helping educators integrate phosphorus concepts into their science curriculum. Gail Jones is Alumni Distinguished Professor of STEM Education at NC State and a Senior Fellow at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. Gail currently teaches preservice and in service teachers and conducts research on virtual reality, nanotechnology and nanoscale science education, and equity in STEM education.

Learn more about Professor Gail Jones.