In this cross-curricular lesson, California Academic Content Standards for Science Grade 9-12 are met. Students will be performing an investigation to determine the relationship between altitude, rainfall, and biomes. Students will be interpreting data to form logical explanations of the impact of geography and climate on the distribution of biomes. Thus, students will be meeting standards for Earth Sciences, Biology, and Investigation and Experimentation.

The Ecology Sub-Strand of Biology is met by addressing the concept that stability in an ecosystem is the balance between competing effects. Students directly address biodiversity being the sum total of different kinds of organisms and is affected by alterations of habitats and analyze changes in an ecosystem resulting from changes in climate (Concept 6; Standards a and b).

The Energy in the Earth System Sub-Strand of Earth Sciences is met by addressing the concept that climate is the long-term average of a region’s weather and depends on many factors. Students directly address weather (in the short run) and climate (in the long run) and the effects on climate of latitude and elevation (Concept 6; Standards a and b).

The Scientific Progress Sub-Strand of Investigation and Experimentation is met by involving students in asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. Students will be formulating explanations to biome differences based on climate and altitude by using logic and evidence (Sub-Strand 1d).