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Ecosystems, farming & migration

Lesson Plan

1: Starter: The Marsh Arabs - Duration 10-15 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Episode introduces the Marsh Arabs to the class. Students look at an image of the Marsh Arab settlement in South East Iraq in the 70s, before it was diminished. Students infer ecosystem type and characteristics as well as farming processes associated with the area.
  • Learning about ecosystems.
  • Know some of the factors affecting farming.
  • Slides
  • Student Worksheet 1

Teacher Notes: 1: Starter: The Marsh ArabsTeacher Notes: 1: Starter: The Marsh Arabs

2: Wetlands as an ecosystem and their impact on human life - Duration 10-15 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • A number of statements pertaining to wetlands are read out. Students ascertain whether or not they agree with the statements and explain why. Activity is intended to demonstrate the significance of wetlands as an ecosystem to students.
  • Learning about ecosystems.
  • Slide
  • Student Worksheet 2

Teacher Notes: 2: Wetlands as an ecosystem and their impact on human lifeTeacher Notes: 2: Wetlands as an ecosystem and their impact on human life

3: Human impact on ecosystems - Duration 10-15 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Class examines satellite images of the Iraqi wetlands before and after they were drained by Saddam Hussein in the early 90's. Students deduce what the images describe, before they watch a short news report to contextualise the chain of events leading up to the end of Hussein's regime and the start of reconstruction in the marshes.
  • Identifying, describing and explaining physical and human processes and their impact on places and environments.
  • Exploring forced migrations and refugee situations.
  • Using maps and secondary sources of evidence to draw conclusions.
  • Slides
  • Video: News report on draining of marshes

Teacher Notes: 3: Human impact on ecosystemsTeacher Notes: 3: Human impact on ecosystems

4: Eden reborn - restoring the Iraqi wetlands - Duration 25 - 45 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Student Worksheets give the class background information and set out their 'mission'. In groups, students prepare a briefing for a platoon of soldiers who are to provide security to three Marsh Arab villages during the revivification process. They are required to supply a schedule of events, use the map supplied to provide coordinates, and to provide a synopsis of their key learning about the Iraqi wetlands crisis.
  • Learning about ecosystems.
  • Using maps and secondary sources of evidence.
  • Describing and explaining human and physical processes.
  • Understanding the need for military security in some international crises.
  • Slides
  • Student Worksheets 3-4

Teacher Notes: 4: Eden reborn - restoring the Iraqi wetlandsTeacher Notes: 4: Eden reborn - restoring the Iraqi wetlands

5: Plenary: Reflecting on key learning - Duration 5-10 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • As a class, make a list under three headings:
    • Three things I knew already.
    • Three things I have learnt about today.
    • Three things I want to know more about.
  • Recap on the topics covered in the lesson.
  • Slide

Teacher Notes: 5: Plenary: Reflecting on key learningTeacher Notes: 5: Plenary: Reflecting on key learning

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