Forests, through sequestration, capture excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and store it, aiding in climate change. The third installment in a four-part series on how climate impacts forests explores carbon sequestration. Classes discuss the services ecosystems provide (supply oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, etc.) and then move on to which trees sequester the most carbon. The activity finishes with a reading and questions about climate change effects on forests. 

Concepts

climate change, forest ecosystems, carbon

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Discuss answers to questions aloud, especially students' opinions of carbon-neutral events and what they found interesting about the article
• If the activity isn't completed in one hour, assign the rest as homework

Classroom Considerations

• Classes should have completed part two in the series, should have an understanding of succession, and should understand carbon's role in climate change

Pros

• Article needed for activity is found at the end of the lesson 
• The topic of climate change is so engaging right now due to its divisiveness in the political arena; this alone keeps learners engaged

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.1