This video is accompanied by supporting materials including background essay and discussion questions. The focus is on changes happening to permafrost in the Arctic landscape, with Alaska Native peoples and Western scientists discussing both the causes of thawing and its impact on the ecosystem.

Discipline
Earth and Space Sciences
Grade Level
6-8
9-12
Lesson Area
Soils and Climate
Lesson Type
Activity
Video
Lesson Keywords
permafrost
Climate Change
Ecosystem

Next Generation Science Standards

Grade Discipline Core Idea
6-8 ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems

Human activities have altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging it, although changes to environments can have different impacts for different living things. Activities and technologies can be engineered to reduce people's impacts on Earth.

6-8

Changes in biodiversity can influence humans' resources and ecosystem services they rely on.

6-8 LS2.C: Ecosystem dynamics
6-8 LS4.D: Biodiversity and humans

Human activities have altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging it, although changes to environments can have different impacts for different living things. Activities and technologies can be engineered to reduce people's impacts on Earth.

6-8

Human activities have altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging it, although changes to environments can have different impacts for different living things. Activities and technologies can be engineered to reduce people's impacts on Earth.

9-12 ESS3.C: Human impacts on Earth systems

Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies. 

9-12

Biodiversity is increased by formation of new species and reduced by extinction. Humans depend on biodiversity but also have adverse impacts on it. Sustaining biodiversity is essential to supporting life on Earth.

9-12 LS2.C: Ecosystem dynamics
9-12 LS4.D: Biodiversity and humans

Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies. 

9-12

Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies.