Climate Change Lesson 10 : Ecosystem Relationships
1. If there is not access to a computer lab, then students can complete the alternate activity described here that is found on the MEECS Climate Change Resource DVD. For the alternate activity, use the student resource Alternate Model Projections and the student activity Alternate Model Projections. The same answer key can be used for both versions of the activity. Using distribution maps for three Michigan tree species, students can use the alternative activity sheets to examine the predicted change in distribution of three Michigan trees using two emissions scenarios, high and low. Then, using the sample land cover change map students can consider the implications of changes in land use on tree distribution.
2. In the Mixed Pine Ecosystem of Michigan activity (on the MEECS Climate Change Resource DVD), students will be using an example from the western Great Lakes to model the current and projected effects of climate change on a Michigan ecosystem. This model was developed from a mixed pine ecosystem of Michigan case study based on the USDA Western Great Lakes projection (See Anderson & Palik in references for the original document)
3. If available, set up the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Non-Game Wildlife Posters (Coastal Dunes, Wetlands, Michigan Forests, Jack Pine Forest, and Rivers) around the room. Students rotate through stations and discuss what would happen to these ecosystems if the ranges of these trees were altered. Assign students to write a paragraph about what would change in one or more of the ecosystems if those tree species could no long survive in that habitat.
4. In the MEECS Ecosystems and Biodiversity Unit, Lesson 2 It’s All Connected and Lesson 6 Michigan’s Web of Life could serve as companions to this lesson.
5. Students can write a skit or dramatization regarding the current and modeled habitat of a specific tree species that they studied.
6. Have the students focus on a particular species of animal or plant, perhaps one that is endangered in the state. How might this organism’s population change with the change of Michigan’s climate?
7. Have students develop a long-term research project to observe and record changes in the local ecosystem. Ask them to develop some hypotheses that project what they think might happen over a longer period of time.
8. If you have the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Non-Game Wildlife Posters, have students explore current and potential future distributions of the birds on the posters. They could use the online USDA Forest Service Bird Atlas as a resource.
9. Measure the carbon storage of school-yard trees. An Internet search on this topic will reveal lessons from the GLOBE program and NSTA. .