During the summer and fall of 1804, the Corps of Discovery began their movement across the great grassland prairie of America. In this program we'll focus on the grasslands biome. We'll find out about the characteristics of a prairie, what types of plants and animals grow there, why they grow there, how the climate conditions affect life in this biome, and the importance of maintaining prairie spaces. Interact with experts joining us from the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Contents of the Broadcast:
1. Opening to 3:46—Introduction, welcome, orientation to today's topic, and introduction of our guest Malinda Slagle, Restoration Ecologist with the Missouri Botanical Garden's Prairie Restoration Project.
2. 3:46 to 12:50—The first topic explored answers the question "What is a prairie?" Subjects include types and locations of grasslands around the world, differences between tall, medium, and short grass prairies, and rainfall impacts on the prairie. Images include slides of grassland locations and video of tall, medium, and short grass prairie. Student questions and comments on these topics are weaved throughout the segment.
3. 12:50 to 19:42—Next, we investigate the prairie more by looking at plants of the prairie. Images of numerous plants are provided including big blue stem, blue grama grass, Indian grass, fleabane daisies, goldenrod, white indigo, lead plant, and sunflower. Student questions and comments are included.
4. 19:42 to 23:42—In our next segment we look at animals of the prairie both now and during the time of the expedition. Numerous images are included. Examples include the badger, bald eagle, bobcat, bison, red wolf, gray wolf, coyote, deer, prairie chicken, pronghorn antelope, prairie dog, and pheasant. Student questions and comments are also included.
5. 23:42 to 28:07—Next, we take a look at the prairie underground. Images include a cross section of the prairie showing plant growth above the ground and root length below the ground. Topics include the impact of rainfall, the importance of the root system to the plant, and why one finds so few trees on the prairie. Student questions and comments are included.
6. 28:07 to 43:25—Now it's on to how the prairie maintains itself. We look at the impact of insects and pollination, the wind, predators, and other animals on maintaining the life of the prairie. Student questions and comments are included as is video of bisons on the prairie, insects pollinating prairie plants, and wind sweeping across the South Dakota prairie.
7. 43:25 to 52:18—Malinda shares the importance of fire to maintaining the prairie, both naturally and in controlled burns. Video footage is included of a controlled burn on the Missouri Botanical Garden's restored prairie. Student comments and questions are included as well.
8. 38:38 to End—In our final segment, we discuss why the prairie ecosystem matters. What are its impacts on nature, humans, and biodiversity. Student comments and questions are included. We end with thanks and goodbye
