This video from Nature Lab by The Nature Conservancy shows the journey of Conservation Biologist Trevor Bloom and his team as they travel (and rock climb) to determine the impact of previous wildfires on populations of Saxifraga austromontana.
The research team traveled through and climbed Idaho's City of Rocks, East Spanish Peak of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Jackson, WY, Missoula and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, and Prusik Peak of Washington's Enchantments.
The video has a cinematic quality and feels like the retelling of an adventure.
Students will get to see an example of a green career that allows for time outside doing what you love.
Prerequisites
Students should understand climate change and some of its impacts, such as increases in wildfires, invasive species, and flooding.
Teachers may want to preface the video with a quick introduction to rock climbing and how it works.
Differentiation & Implementation
Using the call to action at the end of the video, students can brainstorm and implement strategies to convince others to get outside and become stewards of the land. Students can create infographics, artwork, videos, songs, or other media to share the message.
These researchers used their passion for the outdoors and rock climbing to understand climate change and help work towards solutions. Students can take some time to brainstorm what they are passionate about and how that passion can be used to contribute to solving the climate change problem. This brainstorming can also be transitioned into a conversation about green careers.
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world.
Related Teaching Resources
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