Climate Change: Understanding Ecosystem Impacts and Societal Effects
Lesson Description
Video Resource
Key Concepts
- Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystems
- Ecosystem Responses to Climate Change
- Effects of Increased Carbon Dioxide
- Societal Impacts of Climate Change
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to explain how climate change affects various ecosystems and populations.
- Students will be able to analyze the responses of ecosystems to changing climatic conditions.
- Students will be able to describe the societal impacts of climate change, including economic and social consequences.
Educator Instructions
- Introduction (5 mins)
Begin with a brief overview of climate change and its relevance to environmental science. Introduce the Crash Course video as a resource for understanding the complexities of climate change impacts. - Video Viewing: The Effects of Climate Change (11 mins)
Students watch "The Effects of Climate Change: Crash Course Biology #9." Encourage students to take notes on key points and examples discussed in the video. - Ecosystem Effects Discussion (15 mins)
Discuss the impacts of climate change on ecosystems as highlighted in the video. Focus on specific examples like changes in species distribution, disruptions in food chains, and the impact on keystone species. - Increased Carbon Dioxide Analysis (10 mins)
Analyze the effects of increased carbon dioxide levels on ecosystems, including ocean acidification and changes in plant growth. Discuss the feedback loops associated with increased CO2. - Societal Impacts and Solutions (10 mins)
Discuss the societal impacts of climate change, such as increased frequency of extreme weather events, food security issues, and displacement of populations. Brainstorm potential solutions and mitigation strategies. - Review and Conclusion (5 mins)
Summarize the key takeaways from the video and discussion. Emphasize the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of addressing climate change.
Interactive Exercises
- Ecosystem Impact Mapping
Students create a visual map illustrating the effects of climate change on a specific ecosystem of their choice, showing the interconnectedness of various species and environmental factors. - Carbon Footprint Calculator and Reduction Plan
Students calculate their individual carbon footprints and develop a plan to reduce their environmental impact through lifestyle changes.
Discussion Questions
- How does climate change affect the distribution of species in different ecosystems?
- What are some potential solutions to mitigate the impacts of increased carbon dioxide levels?
- How does climate change exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities?
Skills Developed
- Critical Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Problem Solving
- Systems Thinking
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1:
Which of the following is a direct effect of climate change on ecosystems?
Correct Answer: Changes in species distribution
Question 2:
What is one consequence of increased carbon dioxide levels in the ocean?
Correct Answer: Coral bleaching
Question 3:
How might climate change affect human societies?
Correct Answer: Food security issues
Question 4:
Which of the following is a potential ecosystem response to climate change?
Correct Answer: Migration of species
Question 5:
What is the primary driver of climate change?
Correct Answer: Increased greenhouse gas emissions
Question 6:
What is a potential mitigation strategy for the effects of climate change?
Correct Answer: Investing in renewable energy
Question 7:
Which of the following describes the effect of climate change on plant growth?
Correct Answer: Complex and variable
Question 8:
What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem affected by climate change?
Correct Answer: Their decline can cause cascading effects
Question 9:
How does climate change affect the frequency of extreme weather events?
Correct Answer: Increases it
Question 10:
What is ocean acidification?
Correct Answer: The process of the ocean becoming more acidic
Fill in the Blank Questions
Question 1:
Climate change can cause shifts in __________ distribution, altering ecosystems.
Correct Answer: species
Question 2:
Increased __________ levels in the atmosphere contribute to global warming.
Correct Answer: carbon dioxide
Question 3:
__________ species are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Correct Answer: Keystone
Question 4:
__________ bleaching is a direct result of increased ocean temperatures.
Correct Answer: Coral
Question 5:
Climate change can lead to increased frequency of extreme __________ events.
Correct Answer: weather
Question 6:
The process of the ocean becoming more acidic is called __________.
Correct Answer: ocean acidification
Question 7:
Investing in __________ energy is a strategy to mitigate climate change.
Correct Answer: renewable
Question 8:
Changes in one __________ can ripple out to affect entire communities and ecosystems.
Correct Answer: population
Question 9:
Climate change can exacerbate existing __________ and economic inequalities.
Correct Answer: social
Question 10:
The migration of species is a common __________ to climate change.
Correct Answer: response
Educational Standards
Teaching Materials
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