Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education |Published on: February 19, 2024
Lesson Plans
5678
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.
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.
Scientist Notes
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Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
