Boreal Forest

Physical Geography: Boreal Forest

Studying Boreal Forests at Key Stage 3 (KS3) is important because it helps students understand key physical geography themes, including ecosystems, climate, biodiversity, and human-environment interactions. Boreal forests (also called Taiga) are one of the largest biomes on Earth and play a vital role in regulating the planet's climate.

Through this module, students will get a greater understanding of biomes and global ecosystems. Covering North America, Europe, and Asia - the boreal ecosystem is vast and makes for interesting contrasts to other types of forests like tropical rainforests and temperate forests.

By understanding the climate of Boreal Forests better, students can then explore climate and adaptation. In the cold conditions of high-latitude regions, winters are long and cold, and summers are short. This opens the door for examining trees common to the ecosystem like coniferous species of spruce, pine and fir and how their needle-shaped leaves and waxy coating are adaptations to retain moisture. Similarly, students can learn about animal species like wolves, bears, lynxes and moose - all of which have thick fur and fat layers to survive cold conditions.

An important area of study is of course the human relationship with boreal forests. By posing the question of human impact and sustainability, students can examine the nature of deforestation and logging for paper, timber and fuel, while analyzing the impact of deforestation on wildlife, indigenous communities, and global carbon levels.

The areas covered by boreal forest like Alaska, Canada and Russia are also regions of large-scale gas and oil projects. These are critical to the global economy, but also come with damage to ecosystems, habitat loss, and pollution.

Through these approaches, students can develop their critical thinking skills. Boreal forests are an exciting opportunity to highlight the interdependence of humans and the environment. Students are also able to take part in problem-solving to meet the challenges of global climate change, balancing economic development with environmental preservation, and equitable access to resources and wealth.

This KS3 Physical Geography: Boreal Forest module will enable students to:​

• Describe the characteristics of boreal forests (taigas)
• Understand how biotic and abiotic factors interact in a boreal forest
• Know where boreal forests are found in the globe.
• Identify landforms found in boreal forests.
• Know how environmental issues impact boreal forests.
• Understand how human activity impacts boreal forests.