This video has beautiful footage of peatlands and features narration by the ecologists who work and care for a peatland in Minnesota.
The narrators do an excellent job explaining how peatlands impact other connected ecosystems and climate change, effectively conveying the ecological benefits of peatlands.
Additional Prerequisites
Learners should be familiar with the terms carbon sink and a wetland.
Learners should understand how ecosystems are connected and can influence each other.
Differentiation
Before watching the video, ask students to define a wetland and describe different types of ecosystems that are wetlands.
Consider building a model peatland and testing its water and carbon storage capabilities using materials like shoe boxes, leaves, grass, soil, sponges, and clay.
Have students watch the video in groups and research examples of peatlands in different countries (most are primarily in the Northern Hemisphere).
To conclude a lesson on peatlands, have students write an essay on the ecosystem services provided by peatlands.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Nature Conservancy
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
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.