2003: Carbon Processes in the Climate System and Forest Ecosystems

An education module is prepared that will help students develop understandings about the importance of carbon and the carbon cycle in the Earth system. Emphasis is carbon processes in the climate system and forest ecosystems and how these relate to human development and environmental issues.

Introduction to Research

Describe the role of carbon in supporting life and regulating climate. What is unknown about carbon that climate researchers are seeking to learn? Show highlights from scientist's research to explain what and how we are learning about this problem. Show highlights from the carbon investigation in Black Rock Forest to explain what and how ICPers are contributing to this research area. This should explain some of the analysis techniques and what can be learned from these investigations.

If appropriate, show what can be learned from different types of data, e.g. field measurements from trees, soils and water and satellite data, historical data about land change.

Provide some class discussion questions for teachers to initiate a dialogue with students about how this research relates to where they live.

Lessons

The foundation for these lessons is the carbon field investigation guide, past ICP lessons and lessons used in science courses.

Don and Pat will outline the series of developmental lessons that will comprise the Carbon module, including existing activities and new lessons they plan to prepare over the summer. Each lesson should include a guiding question, learning activities and an applied problem to demonstrate what was learned.

Some of the options within the NYS Living Environment Standards we can discuss as potential topic areas to develop lessons around as they relate to the carbon study include:

1.1: Explain how diversity within ecosystem relates to the stability of ecosystems

5.1: Explain the basic biochemical processes in living organisms and their importance in maintaining dynamic equilibrium (51a and b-photosynthesis, 5.1d-respiration, 5.1e and f- biochemical processes)

6.1: Explain factors that limit the growth of populations (energy, chemical elements, temperature and pH)

6.2: Biodiversity - explain the importance of maintaining the diversity of species and habitats

6.3: Explain how living and non-living environments change over time and respond to disturbances

7.1: Describe the range of interrelationships of humans with the living and non-living environment (finite resources, consumptions, water cycle, recycling of nutrients, idea of an ecosystem)

7.2: Explain the impact of technological development and growth in the human population on the living and non-living environment

7.3: Explain how individual choices and societal actions can contribute to improving the environment

Library

Web links organized by topics relevant to lessons and research. These are resources that a teacher can use to gain an understanding and/or to use for critical reading/discussion with students. It can also have links to team and individual papers for the Carbon research. Topics may include: Carbon Cycle, Greenhouse Effect, Tree Guides, Forest Ecosystems, Climate Change, Photosynthesis, etc.

Student Research Projects

Beginning research project ideas include:

Use BRF data to understand carbon storage in a local ecosystem, relate this data to human and natural factors that influence carbon today and in the future

A study of how carbon has changed over time and the causes and effects of this change (this may incorporate pollen core data to show climate change and Keeling data)

A global study of carbon using satellite data to understand how carbon is stored and distributed in regions around the world and the implications for climate change mitigation strategies called for in international treaties

A study where students use BRF protocols to collect carbon data from their locality to understand its role in their local ecosystem. This can include burning both soil and top soil leaf coverage.