Temperature and precipitation as limiting factors in ecosystems

GLOBE Project

This classroom activity is aimed at an understanding of different ecosystems by understanding the influence of temperature and precipitation. Students correlate graphs of vegetation vigor with those of temperature and precipitation data for four diverse ecosystems, ranging from near-equatorial to polar, and spanning both hemispheres to determine which climatic factor is limiting growth.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Activity could be enhanced if educator indicates that seasonal patterns may be changing somewhat and builds some connections towards an understanding of global climate change. The recognition that temperature can be an indicator of either energy that plants can use to capture carbon or energy plants cannot use could be included when teaching the activity.
Demonstrates the strong - but variable - relationship between temperature, precipitation and plant growth. This is an evergreen activity in which the foundational concept is supported by the data included in the resource. Excellent opportunity for students to analyze data and use techniques scientists use to understand climate.
Very clear directions and great visuals. Several strategies work to increase student engagement; excellent visualizations, graph analysis, grouping and discussion teaching strategies will enhance learning for a broad range of learners. Students need to actively work toward finding the answer, so this activity promotes depth of understanding. The educator will need to provide context in order for students to understand the relevance.