gwinnettEHC.org
Target Subject/Course: Honors Biology
Driving Question (WHY): How can we mitigate the effects of climate change locally?
AKS/GPS Connection:
11d. assess and explain human activities that influence and modify the environment such as global warming,
population growth, pesticide use, and water/power consumption
11a. investigate the relationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes
11e. relate plant adaptations, including tropisms, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions
Scenario: You are a forester faced with the task of offsetting the carbon released into the atmosphere by PRHS
students traveling to and from school on a daily basis. You must determine how many trees each student
should plant in order to offset their individual carbon footprint. It is imperative that the proper native tree
species are chosen in order to guarantee success of the program. Habitat sites must be assessed to determine
where the trees will be planted. Once you have decided on a course of action, you will present your plan to
Dr. Matthews for approval of the PRHS Carbon Offset Program.
20th Century Skills:
Real-world problem solving, collaboration, skilled communication, critical thinking, local connections,
creativity and innovation
Culminating Product/Event:
Students will present their proposals for the PRHS Carbon Offset Program to Dr. Matthews and other
stakeholders, such as environmental scientists, foresters, and climatologists. Proposals will include carbon
footprint calculations for students travelling to and from school daily, as well as calculations for the number of
trees required to offset carbon emissions. Students must have specific tree species chosen, with evidence to
support tree species choice. Students will also present habitat assessments and long-term management plans
for the tree planting aspect of the program. Once approval is granted, students will be able to plant their
trees, leaving a positive mark on the environment.
Resources Needed:
-Data from Gwinnett County Transportation department and interview with personnel
-Data from vehicle manufacturers, DOT, and average mileage travelled to school
-Georgia Forestry Commission to order tree seedlings and interview foresters
http://www.gatrees.mobi/reforestation/
-Data from NASA on climate change and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Interview climatologist
-Computers with internet access for research and development of presentation
-Supplies to assess habitat – tape measure, soil testing kits, thermometer, light meter, soil moisture meter, etc