TEACHING ALL VOLUMES SUBMIT WORK SEARCH TIEE
Volume 6: Table of Contents TEACHING ISSUES AND EXPERIMENTS IN ECOLOGY
ISSUES: FIGURE SETS

Figure Set 5: Global Warming Potential - Temperate Agriculture

Purpose: To teach students that land management can affect the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from temperate agricultural production and that cessation of agriculture results in net sequestration of greenhouse gases in the soil. Students will play roles of various citizen groups to identify ways in which agricultural land management can affect a variety of different people around the world.
Teaching Approach: Citizens Argument
Cognitive Skills: (see Bloom's Taxonomy) - Knowledge, interpretation, analysis, synthesis
Student Assessment: Post Lesson Assessment Essay

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS

Familiarize yourself with the Figure Set 5 Background and Table 5 before coming to class.

Class Activity - State of Michigan Hearing

The State of Michigan is considering passing a law that requires farmers to become GWP-neutral, which means that they no longer can be a net emitter of greenhouse gases. To do this, they would need to change their agricultural practices to no-till or organic methods and/or set aside some of their land in conservation areas (e.g. Early Successional), where greenhouse gases are sequestered in the soil.

You will be assigned to one of six stakeholder groups that have a chance to testify in front of the Michigan Legislature. In your group, you will construct a statement and will have three minutes to address the State of Michigan Legislature, presenting your argument. A seventh group of Michigan Legislators will also be formed from students. The six interest groups are:

  1. Michigan corn farmers, who need to cultivate as much land as possible to maintain income levels, and make sure that they get enough use out of expensive equipment.
  2. Landowners along the Florida coast that would lose their property with only a 1 meter rise in sea level if global warming continues. Global warming will cause thermal expansion of water and the melting of ice sheets on land in northern and southern areas, resulting in more water in the sea.
  3. The Pheasants Forever organization. Pheasants thrive in conservation areas that are planted to prairie grasses and forbs.
  4. The ethanol industry, which is increasing dramatically in size, and utilizes corn grain for ethanol production. Biomass from trees, grasses and crops are also being considered for use in the synthesis of ethanol. Ethanol can be partially substituted for gasoline.
  5. The Sierra Club, which promotes conservation of prairie habitat and biological diversity.
  6. The Food Industry, which uses corn to make many food items that are consumed in large quantities by the public.

After all arguments are presented, the State of Michigan Legislature group will decide whether or not to vote in favor of the law.

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