Bird-Friendly Coffee
Overview
Coffee is one of the most important crops in the world, and the way it is raised can have a big impact on the environment. Rather than clearing forested land for plantations, coffee is better grown in the shade of other tree species. This practice also supports biodiversity, including birds. The lesson features images for students to interpret, and an exercise to analyze data on biodiversity in coffee forests. The lesson also includes videos featuring agroforestry experts.
10 - 70 mins.
Lessons include images, practice analyzing data and videos.
Subjects
Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, Biology, AP Biology, Forestry, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, Molecular Biology, History, Social Studies
You will need:
Printed Paper maps
Digital map files
Online half-earth map
- DataPlay, Phenomenal Image, Video Tutorial
- Homework, Short In-Class
- Birds, Conifers, Deforestation, Endangered Species, Habitat, Insects, Irrigated Agriculture, Local Communities, Nature-based Solutions, Plants, Rewilding, Soil Erosion, Species Rarity, Terrestrial
- College, High School, Middle School
Bird-Friendly Coffee
Learning Objectives
- Build knowledge in biodiversity as it relates to environmental health, food production, habitat, and species health
- Hone skills to understand and interpret expert opinions, explore critical thinking, and appreciate the roles of culture and history in the stewardship of nature
Key Terms + Conditions
- Nature and domestic species
- Agriculture
- Agroforestry
- Conservation recovery strategies
- Forest structure
- Environmental health
- Food production
- Biodiversity and culture
Lesson Resources
Top tips for Instructors
The videos are an excellent way to start student’s thinking about how the food we consume can have an impact on biodiversity.
Agroforestry is an important concept and can benefit biodiversity, but does not replace protected areas kept wild for biodiversity.
The phenomenal image and dataplay are useful for deepening and testing student understanding following viewing videos.
“Made in the Shade,” an excerpt from Katie Fallon’s book Cerulean Blues: A Personal Search for a Vanishing Songbird is available for supplemental reading.
