This Instagram post shows the disparity in tree cover between neighborhoods in six cities: Denver, CO; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; Portland, OR; Columbus, OH; and Austin, TX.
The image is accompanied by a description, which identifies the average income of each neighborhood.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This resource provides a visual representation of inequality in urban areas.
Students will easily see the difference in tree cover between the two neighborhoods pictured.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the terms income and poverty.
Differentiation
This resource could be incorporated into science lessons about photosynthesis, ecology, and the carbon cycle to connect the biological functions of trees with their benefits to communities.
History, social studies, and civics classes could use this resource when discussing historical prejudices, practices such as redlining, or the need for community involvement in government decisions.
The resource describes the correlation existing between income level and tree cover. It depicts species richness and biodiversity levels with income using two scenarios in a city. Datasets on income are just estimates and not actual figures; educators should note these contradictions. This resource is recommended.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.10.6-8 Explain the relevance of personal interests and perspectives, civic virtues, and democratic principles when people address issues and problems in government and civil society.
Dimension 2: Economics
D2.Eco.1.6-8 Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.2.6-8 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions, and changes in their environmental characteristics.
