Ecosystems, farming & migration

Marsh Arab settlement in Iraq

Synopsis

This pan-topic lesson looks at the systematic destruction of the Iraq wetlands by Saddam Hussein throughout the 1990s. Students are invited to consider the Marsh Arabs as a farming community, the destruction of the ecosystem that supported their way of life and their subsequent migration. It also gives thought to the reconstruction work that has been taking place in recent years. The role of the British Armed Forces in providing security to the Marsh Arabs during their rehabilitation is a theme throughout.

MOD Topic

Marsh Arab settlement in Iraq

Curriculum Checklist

n/a

Curriculum Links

• English
• Citizenship
• History
• ICT

Prior Knowledge

Definition of ecosystems and biomes.
Key features of ecosystems.
Human impacts on ecosystems.
Factors affecting farming.
Key classifications of migration.
Key causes of migration.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Understand some of the key features of wetlands and their significance.
• Understand that human activity has an effect on ecosystems, with some understanding of the human impact on the ecosystem focused on in this case study.
• Have an understanding of some of the social, economic and environmental factors that affect farming with an appreciation that there are a range of contexts.
• Understand the definition of forced migration, that there are push factors, the need for rehabilitation programmes and the need to be protected whilst rehabilitation occurs.

Average ability students will:

• Understand most of the key features of wetlands and their significance and be able to cite some examples of ecosystems worldwide.
• Understand that human activity has an effect on ecosystems of all kinds, with a fair grasp of the human impact on the ecosystem focused on in this case study.
• Have a fair understanding of social, economic and environmental factors that affect farming at a variety of levels, in a range of contexts.
• Have a good grasp of the nature of forced migration, including push factors, impacts on refugees, rehabilitation programmes and the need to be protected whilst rehabilitation occurs.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand all the key features of wetlands and their significance and be able to cite a range of examples of ecosystems worldwide.
• Understand that human activity has a profound effect on ecosystems of all kinds, with an excellent grasp of the human impact on the ecosystem focused on in this case study.
• Have an excellent understanding of social, economic and environmental factors that affect farming at a variety of levels, in a range of contexts.
• Have a fine grasp of the nature of forced migration, including push factors, impacts on refugees, rehabilitation programmes and the need to be protected whilst rehabilitation occurs.

Lesson code

G6