Resources: Compare

#924, v1.0 Published:
#1200, v1.0 Published:

Title

Old VersionNew Version
1The Polar Bear of the Salt Marsh? 1The Polar Bear of the Salt Marsh? Warming Tolerance Limits of Local Species

Authors

Old VersionNew Version
1Christopher R. Field (National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC)) 1Angela Dassow ()
2Beth A. Lawrence (University of Connecticut) 2Sheryl Konrad ()
3Deborah Rook () 3Angela Dassow ()

Description

Old VersionNew Version
1<p>Polar bears are an iconic symbol of climate change, but regionally relevant examples of susceptible biota are needed to highlight how global forces impact local environments. In this interrupted case study, students follow a young naturalist as she explores why saltmarsh sparrows are increasingly rare in coastal wetlands of the northeastern United States. In small groups, students diagram how sea-level rise may alter saltmarsh sparrow habitat and analyze a graph to determine if there is evidence to support sea-level rise. The social implications of rising sea levels induced by climate change can also be explored with an optional jigsaw activity. Students who successfully complete this case study will integrate key concepts related to sea level rise, interpret scientific data and draw conclusions about environmental change, and evaluate alternative management decisions. Originally developed for an undergraduate ecology course, the case could easily be adapted by college or high school instructors for an introductory biology or an environmental science course.</p>  1<p>In this case study adaptation, students play the role of a young naturalist and focus on species that are declining near their campus.&nbsp; In small groups, students discuss peer-reviewed literature on the impact of a warming climate on ectotherms.&nbsp; Individually, they search for information on a regional species of their choice and calculate thermal safety margins and warming tolerances. As a large group, each species selected is compared and contrasted for a debate on which species are the best candidates to receive conservation funds. Students who successfully complete this case study will integrate key concepts related to climate change, interpret scientific data and draw conclusions about environmental change, and evaluate alternative management decisions. Originally developed for an undergraduate, freshman-level biology course, the case could easily be adapted by high school instructors for an introductory biology or an environmental science course.</p>
2  2  
3<p><strong>This material was published by the&nbsp;National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science and should be cited as:</strong></p>  3<p><strong>The original&nbsp;material was published by the&nbsp;National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science and should be cited as:</strong></p>
4  4  
5<p>Lawrence, B. A., &amp; Field, C. R. (2018). The Polar Bear or the Salt Marsh?. National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science. <a href="http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/detail.asp?case_id=1011&amp;id=1011" target="_blank">http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/detail.asp?case_id=1011&amp;id=1011</a></p> 5<p>Lawrence, B. A., &amp; Field, C. R. (2018). The Polar Bear or the Salt Marsh?. National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science.&nbsp;<a href="http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/detail.asp?case_id=1011&amp;id=1011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/detail.asp?case_id=1011&amp;id=1011</a></p>

Attachments

1 link — The Polar Bear of the Salt Marsh? - National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science 1 file — Assessing species extinction risks HANDOUT.docx
2 file — DassowKonrad FMNTeachingNotesSaltmarshSparrowSp19.docx
3 file — Deustch 2008 climate warming.pdf
4 file — Deustch 2008 data set INSTRUCTOR.xls
5 file — Deustch 2008 data set STUDENT.xls
6 file — Deutsch focus questions KEY.docx
7 file — Deutsch focus questions.docx
8 file — Polar Bear of the Saltmarsh CS Adaptation Notes.docx
9 file — Saltmarsh Sparrow Day 1.pptx
10 file — Saltmarsh Sparrow Day 2.pptx
11 link — The Polar Bear of the Salt Marsh? - National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science