One hundred metric tons of CO2 can accumulate in one acre of forest over time—that's a lot of carbon! In the activity, groups of middle school learners determine what makes forests important. They then solidify the concept by using a case study to learn about carbon investments. 

Concepts

the carbon cycle, forests

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Place learners in pairs of groups ahead of time
• Discuss the word value and what it means to the class before beginning the activity

Classroom Considerations

• Within groups, assign roles: recorder, speaker, and materials manager; if you have groups of four, assign one role twice

Pros

• Additional resources include a short video and radio program
• Includes a page of background information for the teacher and/or learners

Cons

• Second link to radio program does not work

Common Core

RST.6-8.1