Living World
Overview
Ecosystems, particularly tropical rainforests and cold environments are studied. We look at their characteristics and factors that may threaten these biomes.
Example Key Words - Rainforests
Biome
a large-scale ecosystem
Emergent
The top layer of the rainforest
Carbon Sink
a place where carbon is stored such as in trees
Ecotourism
Small scale tourism that has a low impact on the economy
FSC
Forest stewardship council
Selective Logging
only the high value trees are removed
Fundamental British values
Democracy – see how democratic votes in Brazil have led to a rise in deforestation
Mutual respect – can there be an equal amount of respect between loggers and indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest?
Cultural Capital
This again is a large topic found in our media channels and it is important that students not only understand why the rainforest is vital but also how their daily choices can lead to the increase in deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
UN Rights of the Child
3 – Best interest of the child
27 – Adequate standard of living
Example Key Words - Cold environments
Adaptation
where a living thing changes its behaviour to suit its surroundings
Permafrost
the ground is permanently frozen
Tundra
the area 60 degrees north and south of the equator
Polar
the area 90 degrees north and south of the equator
Fundamental British values
Individual liberty – people are finding opportunities for individual freedom in Alaska due to the wealth of natural resources, but this local opportunity can lead to global removal of liberty due to the impact that mining and oil rigging has on our climate.
Cultural Capital
Here the students understand that plants and animals have adapted over millions of years to survive in extreme conditions as well as the types of jobs that locals may have and the challenges these pose to the environment. This allows students to understand the impacts of economic growth.
UN Rights of the Child
30 – children from minority or indigenous groups
26 – social security
External Links
- What is an ecosystem? – Ecosystems – AQA – GCSE Geography Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
- BBC iPlayer – The Green Planet
- Characteristics of tropical rainforests – Tropical rainforests – AQA – GCSE Geography Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
- Characteristics of cold environments – polar and tundra – Cold environments – AQA – GCSE Geography Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
- Alaska – The Last Frontier | Free Documentary Nature – YouTube