We are exploring an accessible approach to environmental research that uses the natural glow of bioluminescent organisms to detect heavy metals and other contaminants. Our team will evaluate the effectiveness of different organisms as living biosensors, working toward creating an accessible, easy-to-use testing kit for students, educators, and community advocates.

Whether you’re curious about contamination in your area, inspired by the science of bioluminescence, or eager to develop hands-on laboratory skills in a collaborative setting, we invite you to join us at an upcoming event and be part of this exciting journey with SoundBio Lab.

Biosensor project sessions are held on Fridays from 4-6 pm at SoundBio Lab. All events are free and open to ages 12+

Plants vs Pollution: A Phytoremediation Workshop (2 hrs)

Discover how local duckweed and water ferns can remove heavy metals and other pollutants from wastewater. Build your own phytoremediation chamber, then use digital imaging and R to measure how effectively these plants clean the water. No prior experience required — beginners welcome!

Soil Microbiology: From Dirt to DNA (3 hrs)

Discover the hidden world beneath your feet in this hands-on soil microbiology workshop! Observe microbes under a microscope, extract and amplify microbial DNA, and learn about microbial function in soil and the effects of contamination. This workshop may be taken as part of the Soil Microbiology series or as a stand-alone class.

Soil Microbiology: DNA to Soil Insights (3 hrs)

Learn about microbial taxonomy and explore sequencing and bioinformatics. Learn how environmental conditions affect the soil microbiome and gain practical strategies for improving soil health with pre- and pro-biotics. This workshop may be taken as part of the Soil Microbiology series or as a stand-alone class.

FREE Community Listening Session at Gas Works Park

Join us for a FREE summer picnic and outdoor community listening session on Tuesday, June 16, from 6 to 8 PM at Shelter 1 in Gas Works Park. Food and refreshments provided!

Share your thoughts about contamination, pollution, & hazardous substances, and what tools, education, or resources would make community participation more accessible.

If you took one of our recent workshops on phytoremediation or soil contamination, this is an excellent opportunity to follow up on those discussions!

How spicy is your soil?

Dirt don’t hurt…well sometimes it does.

Healthy soil holds stories, nutrients, fungi, memory, and life - but in urban environments, soil can also carry heavy metals and contaminants left behind by industry and development. The good news? Testing helps us listen to what the land is telling us.

Hands-On Learning: Participants will learn how to properly collect a soil sample for testing and gain practical skills for gardens, community spaces, and urban land projects. This workshop is offered in partnership with SoundBio Lab, whose community-centered work helps make environmental testing and scientific tools more accessible.

This project is funded in part by a Food Equity Fund award from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and by a Public Participation Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Community Catalysts for Soil Health & Climate Resilience with SoundBio

Earth Science & Art Together

Join us for hands on learning about how things get into and out of soil! We’ll also have plant art activities where you can create and contemplate your connection to earth and community.

Family and youth welcome! rsvp optional
Schools out & we got some things you can do! 
Location: 4351 S Othello St, Seattle

https://sustainableseattle.org/events/