Word meanings: science 5

A Field Trip to the Biosphere 2 Research Center

1. Today our science class went on a field trip to an amazing biosphere experiment. As you may know, the research center in Arizona is studying how to maintain human life in outer space. Sounds cool, right? It is! The center duplicates Earth’s ecosystems—from water to land to air—in a specially designed facility.
2. Biosphere 2 was constructed to include several different biome areas along with living quarters for the people working there. There are special temperature-controlled spaces to farm. Water is brought in and circulated throughout the facility through a complex system of pipes. The roof has solar panels to heat the building. The research center is powered with natural gas. All of these things are indispensable because they allow the center to run on its own.
3. Biosphere 2 has a small rain forest, wetlands, grasslands, an arid desert, and an enclosure similar to an ocean environment. A flora and fauna expert explained to our class which plants and animals were included in the project, and why.
4. This awesome field trip really benefited our class because we have been studying different ecosystems, and we got to see several all in one day! I recommend visiting Biosphere 2. It’s an experience that you won’t forget!