Tree Benefit Calculator
Data, Graphs, and Maps
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by USDA Forest Service
What it is
- Students can use this interactive resource from the USDA Forest Service's i-Tree to see how tree cover provides benefits in towns across the continental United States.
- The resource provides an interactive map and information on the pollutants removed, carbon dioxide sequestered, and stormwater mitigated by the tree cover, as well as a monetary representation of these services.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The Tree Story is a great offering for students who are overwhelmed by the data alone.
- This resource makes it easy for students to quickly see the value of tree canopy in a neighborhood.
Prerequisites
- Students should have a general idea of the benefits provided by trees.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can use this tool in conjunction with demographic data for different cities or neighborhoods to determine environmental justice and environmental racism concerns. This lesson can help teachers make the connection.
- Students can select two different neighborhoods to compare their tree benefit data.
- Each student can select a different community in their area, or in an area far away. Then, after reading through the results, students can pair up to determine the differences and similarities between communities.
- Teachers can highlight how we need carbon sinks like trees to sequester carbon that would otherwise contribute to climate change. Students.
From the scientist review
This resource from i-Tree, called OurTrees, is an interactive tool that helps students explore the environmental and economic benefits of trees in their communities. Users can input their location to see how trees improve air quality, store carbon, manage stormwater, and more. The resource draws from credible U.S. Forest Service data, although the date of the data could not be verified, and presents it in a student-friendly format. This resource would be a great addition to classroom discussions about tree coverage and the relationship with climate change.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on ourtrees.itreetools.org
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