Unit 3: Ecology & Agriculture
Gorongosa National Park
We will use resources from HHMI about Gorongosa National Park as our focus for the first part of this unit. You can find all necessary links below.
Lesson 1: Using the Wildcam to Identify, Make Observations, and Ask Questions
About Wildcam Gorongosa - read information and watch "Using Trail Cameras to Study Wildlife" before you start identifying organisms
Wildcam Gorongosa - follow the directions on the handout to identify and record at least 10 photos
Lesson 2: Exploring Biomes in Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa National Park Interactive Map - use this map to complete the activity in class
BiomeViewer - investigate the relationship between biomes and species richness and how humans affect biodiversity
Lesson 3: Gorongosa's Past, Present, and Future
The Guide - complete the preview and postview exercises provided to you in class, then read the article "Gorongosa: Restoring Mozambique's National Treasure"
Gorongosa Timeline - use the information provided to focus on the environmental science of Gorongosa's past, present, and future
Lesson 4: Food Chains and Webs in Gorongosa
After taking notes on energy flow in ecosystems, complete the activity as instructed in class.
Agriculture
How can we feed the growing human population? Now that you know about energy flow in an ecosystem, you will apply that knowledge to agriculture in the 21st century.
- City Farm - Can you grow enough food in your urban farm while preserving water and soil health?
- Clearing Land for Agriculture - What is the relationship between human populations and agriculture? How is forest converted to farmland?
- Comparing Diet and Land Footprints - How do diets vary around the world? How does your diet impact the amount of land used to grow food?
- Interactive Farming Activity - How does crop choice and farming method impact profits and greenhouse gas emissions?
- Cornucopia Challenge - Can you fulfill all of your orders before you run out of water?