• This game will allow students to observe how the starting population size of trees in a forest and the rate of deforestation affect forests over time.
• Students will work in groups of four to complete the game, record the changes in the number of trees on the worksheet, and graph the data.

Positives

• This resource is interactive and involves role-playing skills.
  
• The activity combines math, science, and social studies concepts.

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers need to enter their email addresses to download the lesson.
  
• Teachers must gather supplies for the game.
  

Differentiation

• Students can plot their graphs on graphing paper or use the linked digital graphing tool. 
• If students need support, the teacher could walk four students through the simulation as a demonstration for the whole class. Teachers could project the worksheet on the board and the class could work together to fill in the numbers.
• Students could apply this concept to other natural resources that must be managed in a sustainable way.
• Spanish classes could use this lesson to help students apply their knowledge in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish.
  
• Other resources on this topic include this video on Indigenous sustainable forestry practices, this video that shows how nature can balance and restore ecosystems, and this activity on learning about climate history from tree stumps.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.