Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Lesson 1 - Urban Forest Connections

Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education |Published on: February 19, 2024

Lesson Plans Grades 6-8, 3-5

Synopsis

In this lesson plan, students learn about urban forest ecosystems, their connection to the water and carbon cycles, and their role as a solution to climate change.
Students will construct definitions, draw ecosystem diagrams, analyze climate data from Wisconsin, create carbon cycle maps, and write summaries of their learning.

Subjects: Biology, Geography

Authors: LEAF Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education

Region: North America, USA - Midwest, United States, Wisconsin

Languages: English

Positives

This resource encourages systems thinking and builds connections between many critical Earth systems.
Students will enjoy the many different opportunities to collaborate with their peers.

Prerequisites

This lesson is the first of four in the LEAF Urban Forest Lesson Guide 5th-8th Grade Unit.
The resource includes background information for teachers, a detailed lesson plan, student resource sheets, teacher slides, and links to additional related resources.
The lesson assumes students understand climate, climate change, and the water carbon cycles.
Students need paper and markers for Activity 3.
Some students, especially English language learners, may benefit from additional visualizations of the carbon and water cycles.

Differentiation & Implementation

This lesson can support an introduction to ecosystems in a biology or general science class, especially in urban areas.
Teachers can make cross-curricular connections with English Language Arts classes when students write their papers in the conclusion section of the lesson.
The data in Activity 2 is specific to Wisconsin, but teachers in other states can still use the lesson. If desired, teachers can locate projected rainfall data for their area.
Teachers can assign the student resource sheets online or print them.
The lesson includes an optional extension for Activity 3 and numerous links to related resources that can expand the lesson.
Math teachers can utilize the Extension To Activity 2 to review or practice finding the circumference, diameter, and radius of circles.
If desired, students can move on to Lesson 2 of the LEAF Urban Forest Lesson Guide 5th-8th Grade Unit to learn more about the benefits of urban forests.
Visit the LEAF website to access Urban Forest Lessons for all grade levels.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

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Resource Type and Format