NSES Content Standard D  Earth and Space Science: Structure of the Earth system Grades 5-8, page 160 Living organisms have played many roles in the earth system, including affecting the composition of the atmosphere, producing some types of rocks, and contributing to the weathering of rocks.

 
Benchmark 4C The Physical Setting: Processes that Shape the Earth
Grades 6-8, page 73
Although weathered rock is the basic component of soil, the composition and texture of soil and its fertility and resistance to erosion are greatly influenced by plant roots and debris, bacteria, fungi, worms, insects, rodents, and other organisms.

Benchmark 4C The Physical Setting: Processes that Shape the Earth
Grades 6-8, page 73
Human activities, such as reducing the amount of forest cover, increasing the amount and variety of chemicals released into the atmosphere, and intensive farming, have changed the earth's land, oceans, and atmosphere. Some of these changes have decreased the capacity of the environment to support some life forms.

Benchmark 4C The Physical Setting: Processes that Shape the Earth
Grades 9-12, page 74
Plants alter the earth's atmosphere by removing carbon dioxide from it, using the carbon to make sugars and releasing oxygen. This process is responsible for the oxygen content of the air.