Changing Planet: Grapevines and Drought
In this episode, you will learn how climate change is impacting one of our countries most important agricultural crops - grapes. But grapes are not the only crop in peril. In previous Changing Planet episodes, you saw how climate change is affecting crops and leaving them more susceptible to drought conditions, infestations and disease. In the case of grapes, hotter and dryer climates are affecting the flavor of the grapes and the dormancy period of the vines. It is hoped that by understanding the genetics of the different varieties of grapes, scientists can determine what is changing genetically in response to changing environments.
Those harvesting maple syrup are also concerned about changing lengths of seasons and the impacts shorter seasons will have on overall production. In this classroom lesson, you will explore changes in the production of maple syrup and decide if you'll need to find something else to put on your pancakes and waffles!
Click on the video at the left to watch the NBC Learn video - Changing Planet: Grapevines and Drought.
Lesson plan: Changing Planet: Grapevines and Drought (Climate Change and Your Breakfast!)
Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store!
Traveling Nitrogen is a fun group game appropriate for the classroom. Players follow nitrogen atoms through living and nonliving parts of the nitrogen cycle. For grades 5-9.
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