LEAF 5-8 Urban Guide Lesson 1: Urban Forest Connections
Lesson Plans
Grades5, 6, 7, 8Biology, Geography
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Provided by Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
What it is
- During this lesson, Wisconsin students define “urban forest” and “ecosystem.”
- Students relate their school to an ecosystem, create web diagrams for urban forests, connect urban forests to the water and carbon cycles, and consider how urban forests can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Teaching tips
Prerequisites
- The lesson assumes students understand climate, climate change, and the water carbon cycles.
Preparation:
- Students need paper and markers for Activity 3.
- Assign the student resource sheets online or print them.
Differentiation:
- For English language learners, consider providing 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.
- 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.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Math:
- Utilize the optional outdoor activity in Activity 2 to review or practice finding the circumference, diameter, and radius of circles.
Extensions:
- This lesson is the first of four in the LEAF Urban Forest Lesson Guide 5th-8th Grade Unit. 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.
From the scientist review
This comprehensive lesson on urban forests will help students understand what makes up their ecosystem. It is thorough, accurate, and well-cited. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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