BIG IDEA:
Solid, liquid and gaseous earth materials all circulate in large scale systems at a variety of time scales, giving rise to landscapes, the rock cycle, ocean currents, weather, and climate.
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function for all living things.
Human actions modify the physical environment, and physical systems affect human systems.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What causes the great variation at Earth’s surface?
How can one cell function as an organism?
How could human modification of the physical environment significantly impact a region?
OVERVIEW:
A number of South American countries are considering changing their policies regarding the cutting down of trees in the rain forests found within their borders. They have asked a number of experts in different areas to share information with them. From the information they gather, each country will be forming its own policy. The final policy will either allow, no cutting, some cutting, or complete cutting.
GOAL:
Your goal is to supply critical information to the leaders of South American countries trying to balance the economic uses of the rainforest involving deforestation with the need to minimally impact the environment and climate. They are gathering information from a variety of experts to determine their government's policy for the next 20 years related to the cutting down of rainforests within their country's borders.
ROLE:
You are part of a team of botanists who work with forests around the world. Your team has been asked by a number of leaders of South American countries to provide them with information related to the value of rainforests for the environment and climate. They need to determine how much if any of the rainforest they will allow to be cut down. It is very important that they consider the economic issues that can negatively impact companies working in the rainforest and the citizens that work for these companies.
AUDIENCE:
Your audience will be leaders from a number of South American countries that have rainforests within their borders. These leaders will include people who work in departments related to the economy, the environment, and policy creation. They will be using the information you provide to help them make decisions for the next twenty years related to their rainforests.
SITUATION:
A number of South American countries are considering changing their policies regarding the cutting down of trees in the rain forests found within their borders. They have asked a number of experts in different areas to share information with them. From the information they gather, each country will be forming its own policy. The final policy will either allow, no cutting, some cutting, or complete cutting.
As a botanist, you and your team of botanists have been asked to provide information related to the impact the rainforest potentially has on the environment and climate. It will be critical for them to know how trees perform photosynthesis and why this chemical reaction is important.
The following resources may be helpful as you consider your audience and design your products:
Rainforests
http://www.thebraziltravelsite.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/amazon2.jpg
Rainforests of the World
http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/images/where/whemap.gif
Products from the Rainforest
http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat52/sub329/item1304.html
PRODUCTS:
Flow Chart
Create a flowchart that demonstrates the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis based upon trees in the South American rainforests. This visual should simply explain the role trees play in the flow of energy into and out or organisms. Additionally, present how these trees can impact the global carbon cycle.
Infographic
Through technology or drawing create an infographic that visually explains the role trees of the rainforest play in the global carbon cycle through photosynthesis. This infographic should begin with the chloroplasts within a leaf and move through photosynthesis to the connection with the forest ecosystem and connections to global environment and climate. This visual may wish to highlight the impact that cutting rainforest trees may have on this process. Be sure that the visual is based upon your research.
Scientific Drawing
Create a drawing of a type of tree that grows within a South American rainforest. Create an accurate representation of the tree and create a microscopic drawing of a cell within a leaf. Be sure to include the various organelles and highlighting the part of the cell that is critical for photosynthesis. With this drawing provide labels and a brief explanation of the role of each cell part allowing the cell and tree to function and live.
Solid, liquid and gaseous earth materials all circulate in large scale systems at a variety of time scales, giving rise to landscapes, the rock cycle, ocean currents, weather, and climate.
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function for all living things.
Human actions modify the physical environment, and physical systems affect human systems.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What causes the great variation at Earth’s surface?
How can one cell function as an organism?
How could human modification of the physical environment significantly impact a region?
OVERVIEW:
A number of South American countries are considering changing their policies regarding the cutting down of trees in the rain forests found within their borders. They have asked a number of experts in different areas to share information with them. From the information they gather, each country will be forming its own policy. The final policy will either allow, no cutting, some cutting, or complete cutting.
GOAL:
Your goal is to supply critical information to the leaders of South American countries trying to balance the economic uses of the rainforest involving deforestation with the need to minimally impact the environment and climate. They are gathering information from a variety of experts to determine their government's policy for the next 20 years related to the cutting down of rainforests within their country's borders.
ROLE:
You are part of a team of botanists who work with forests around the world. Your team has been asked by a number of leaders of South American countries to provide them with information related to the value of rainforests for the environment and climate. They need to determine how much if any of the rainforest they will allow to be cut down. It is very important that they consider the economic issues that can negatively impact companies working in the rainforest and the citizens that work for these companies.
AUDIENCE:
Your audience will be leaders from a number of South American countries that have rainforests within their borders. These leaders will include people who work in departments related to the economy, the environment, and policy creation. They will be using the information you provide to help them make decisions for the next twenty years related to their rainforests.
SITUATION:
A number of South American countries are considering changing their policies regarding the cutting down of trees in the rain forests found within their borders. They have asked a number of experts in different areas to share information with them. From the information they gather, each country will be forming its own policy. The final policy will either allow, no cutting, some cutting, or complete cutting.
As a botanist, you and your team of botanists have been asked to provide information related to the impact the rainforest potentially has on the environment and climate. It will be critical for them to know how trees perform photosynthesis and why this chemical reaction is important.
The following resources may be helpful as you consider your audience and design your products:
Rainforests
http://www.thebraziltravelsite.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/amazon2.jpg
Rainforests of the World
http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/images/where/whemap.gif
Products from the Rainforest
http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat52/sub329/item1304.html
PRODUCTS:
Flow Chart
Create a flowchart that demonstrates the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis based upon trees in the South American rainforests. This visual should simply explain the role trees play in the flow of energy into and out or organisms. Additionally, present how these trees can impact the global carbon cycle.
Infographic
Through technology or drawing create an infographic that visually explains the role trees of the rainforest play in the global carbon cycle through photosynthesis. This infographic should begin with the chloroplasts within a leaf and move through photosynthesis to the connection with the forest ecosystem and connections to global environment and climate. This visual may wish to highlight the impact that cutting rainforest trees may have on this process. Be sure that the visual is based upon your research.
Scientific Drawing
Create a drawing of a type of tree that grows within a South American rainforest. Create an accurate representation of the tree and create a microscopic drawing of a cell within a leaf. Be sure to include the various organelles and highlighting the part of the cell that is critical for photosynthesis. With this drawing provide labels and a brief explanation of the role of each cell part allowing the cell and tree to function and live.