Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Trees in Peril

Provided by: The Nature Conservancy

Articles/Websites Grades 9-12, 6-8

Synopsis

In this article and video, students learn about how non-native pests are affecting North America's tree species, what it means to wildlife ecosystems, and how it's connected to climate change.
The video highlights the efforts by different scientists, institutions, and communities to breed pest-resistant tree species, track invasive pests, and protect forests.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology, Geography

Authors: The Nature Conservancy

Region: United States

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This resource addresses a critical issue of dying trees and forests, which are global carbon sinks.
This resource provides visual information on the affected trees, pests affecting them, and the scars of the affected trees.

Prerequisites

Students may need to understand carbon sequestration and the importance of forest habitat to better recognize the impact that trees have in the environment.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can study the specific pests mentioned to understand how they spread, their lifecycles, and how they damage trees.
Students can download and explore the TreeSnap app, learn how it works, and (if possible) contribute to it.
The teacher can link this resource to the topic of climate change, analyzing how deforestation and other human activities have led to significant reduction in forest population in recent years, how this will affect the fight against climate change and discuss possible mitigation measures.
Take science students on a walk near the school campus to observe plant pests such as aphids, catarpillars, etc. and then have them do a project about the ecosystem interactions occurring, the evolutionary process that may drive speciation or extinction, or how climate change may affect the plants and pests observed.

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.