Peatlands 101
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Provided by: The Nature Conservancy|Published on: January 24, 2024
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Synopsis
- This short video describes the unique wetland ecosystem of peatlands and discusses their value and the ecosystem services they provide.
- Through watching this video, students will understand how peatlands prevent flooding, filter water, combat climate change, and support biodiversity.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: The Nature Conservancy
Region: North America, USA - Midwest, United States, Minnesota
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- 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.
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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.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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