LEAF 5-8 Urban Guide Lesson 4: Stewardship Close to Home

Lesson Plans

Grades5, 6, 7, 8Social Studies, English Language Arts

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education

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What it is

In this lesson, students commit to one action they can take to be a forest steward and learn about organizations in Wisconsin that help protect urban forests.
Students play a game to demonstrate stewardship, work in a group to research local, state, and national organizations, and create a stewardship action plan.

Teaching tips

Prerequisites:

This lesson is the fourth and final in the LEAF Urban Forest Lesson Guide 5th-8th Grade Unit. The prior lessons provide the necessary context. The first lesson introduces Urban Forests, the second discusses the benefits, and the third explores biodiversity and urban forest management.

Preparation:

Teachers will need 6 ping-pong balls, 6 spoons, and 6 cups for the game.
The lesson is specific to Wisconsin, but teachers can modify it for other states by substituting the provided organizations with ones local to that state.

Extensions:

The resource includes links to two additional lesson plans that can extend learning.
On the LEAF website, teachers can find additional Urban Forest Lessons.

Differentiation:

Students can do the research and presentation individually or in a small group.

From the scientist review

This resource from LEAF, Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program, is a well-researched and thought-out lesson plan for 5th - 8th graders about environmental stewardship. The resource includes a lesson plan, activities, and materials for students and the teacher. It also provides background information and procedures for the lesson. This lesson plan also includes links for additional resources and worksheets. This resource is very well-sourced and contains up-to-date information and data. This resource is an excellent addition to a classroom discussion about environmental stewardship.

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At a glance

Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8
Subjects: Social Studies, English Language Arts
Other types: Articles/Websites, Activity - Classroom, Worksheets, Games
Format: Google Docs
Language: English
Location: North America > United States > Wisconsin
Provider: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
Authors: LEAF Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education
Published: February 21, 2024
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · D2.Civ.10.6-8 + 9 more

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.10.6-8Explain the relevance of personal interests and perspectives, civic virtues, and democratic principles when people address issues and problems in government and civil society.
D4.7.6-8Assess their individual and collective capacities to take action to address local, regional, and global problems, taking into account a range of possible levers of power, strategies, and potential outcomes.
D2.Civ.6.3-5Describe ways in which people benefit from and are challenged by working together, including through government, workplaces, voluntary organizations, and families.
D4.7.3-5Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

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