Grassland Biodiversity and Earth's Carbon Cycle
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Provided by: PBS|Published on: February 20, 2026
Lesson PlansScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this resource from PBS, students will learn how animals in grasslands, like those in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, work together to contribute to healthy grass, which leads to better carbon sequestration.
- Students will understand the role of grazers, decomposers, and grasses in the carbon cycle.
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Kathy Biernat, PBS Learning Media
Region: Africa
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- In creating their own model of the carbon cycle, students will create a deeper understanding of this system than they would from just looking at a pre-made diagram.
- The speaker in the video leaves viewers with an important theme of interconnectedness that is ever-present in Earth science topics.
Prerequisites
- Teachers should note that the video includes footage of animals defecating.
- Students will benefit from knowing the role that carbon plays in climate change, which will help them understand the importance of carbon sequestration.
- Teachers will need to print and construct the carbon cycle cubes before implementing the lesson.
- The answer key for the student worksheet is linked on the page, so teachers may not want to give students access to the page.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers can use the included vocabulary list for a variety of vocabulary activities, such as having students create their own vocabulary flashcards or play vocabulary charades.
- Teachers can use this resource to demonstrate the importance of biodiversity. Teachers can transition to a conversation about how climate change and human impacts threaten biodiversity and Earth's systems.
- To continue learning about the carbon cycle, teachers can also check out this resource, which gamifies the carbon cycle for students.
This resource uses grassland biodiversity to educate students about the carbon cycle. A clear vocabulary list is provided, and the video and worksheet show how species are linked to each step in the carbon cycle. Global climate change, however, is not mentioned, though the topics of biodiversity and the carbon cycle could easily be tied to climate change. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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