In this animated video, students learn about the many benefits of trees for the entire planet.
Through engaging narration, students learn a number of facts about trees, see a basic animation of transpiration and photosynthesis, and learn why trees are important for the planet.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This is a great video to introduce students to the many benefits that trees provide for people and the environment.
The information is basic enough for younger students to understand.
Additional Prerequisites
Vocabulary terms include minerals, eroded, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide, greenhouse effect, contamination, and evaporation.
The video briefly describes photosynthesis, but it may be helpful to introduce students to this process before watching the video.
Differentiation
After watching, ask students to help you generate a list of some of the benefits that trees provide.
Have students work in groups or individually to create posters or art pieces that display the many benefits of trees discussed in the video.
Science classes could use this video as an introduction to photosynthesis, habitats, the water cycle, the carbon cycle, or plants.
Other related resources on this topic include this plant-growing activity, this animated video explaining climate change, or this digital picture book about climate action.
Scientist Notes
The resource spotlights the benefits of trees in protecting biodiversity, addressing soil erosion, and reducing air and water pollution. Trees are also a key mechanism for carbon sequestration. This is ideal for classroom use.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.3 Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
