Getting to the core of the matter

The topic of carbon sequestration in coastal salt marshes can serve as the basis of an investigation story line with plenty of authentic relevance and drama! Consider establishing the context with students as an introduction to this lesson. Many resources for teaching about carbon uptake and sequestration in coastal wetlands can be found at the Bringing Wetlands to Market website. Some of the elements of the story are:

• To understand and address adverse impacts of climate change, action can be taken at all levels, from local to regional to global

• Climate change is linked to high levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere that can be reduced through lowering emissions or removing CO₂

• Salt marsh ecosystems are especially efficient at removing CO₂ and storing it for many years, but only if the marsh is ecologically healthy

• Students can learn about some ways to serve as stewards of local salt marshes or wetlands at the Bringing Wetlands to Market curriculum.