Global Change in Grasslands, USDA-ARS

USDA-ARS and Fireside Productions

This video features the Prairie Heating and CO2 Enrichment Experiment near Cheyenne WY, where scientists expose mixed-grass prairie to higher temperatures and CO2 concentrations to study impacts on the prairie for late in this century.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

This video can be used in a variety of types of lessons: geography, climate change, environmental science, or anthropology. For middle school students, it might be a bit long and dry - educator needs to unpack the science. Using concept mapping may help students understand the science content.
The experiment simulates projected climate changes to see how the grasslands will respond. Research scientists from the US Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University, and University of Wyoming are featured, collecting grass samples and explaining how they will test each species for present conditions and predicted future conditions. Scientists discuss positive and negative impacts of the C02-enriched environment, and potential implications for livestock and invasive species. Comments from expert scientist: It is a well described research project and easy for all ages to understand.