This interactive map of the United States, divided by county, shows how much carbon could be captured if the maximum number of trees were planted in each area.
A data table provides information about reforestation at the national and state level.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The FAQ section provides detailed explanations and information about the map.
The data used to create the map is publicly available on the website.
There are links throughout the About page to additional research and sources.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable reading and interpreting data.
Students should be familiar with reforestation and carbon storage.
Differentiation
Biology classes could use this map as a template to create a reforestation plan in a specific county, and quantify the amount of carbon that could be captured.
This map could also be used as a tool to discuss reforestation and carbon capture.
The resource displays reforestation opportunities, ecosystem services, and options for climate mitigation. The 30m resolution used is appropriate to map these services accurately. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS.ESS3.4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
HS.ETS1.4 Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
HS.LS2.5 Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
Social Sciences
Geography (K-12)
HS.39 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their political, cultural, and economic dynamics.
