Sixth graders explore the concept of biodiversity.  In this biodiversity lesson plan, 6th graders discover a variety of planets and animals that live in forests, and how a rotting log benefits that environment.  Students also...

One hundred metric tons of CO2 can accumulate in one acre of forest over time—that's a lot of carbon! In the activity, groups of middle school learners determine what makes forests important. They then solidify the concept by using a...

Middle schoolers explore the concept of smart growth development. They create a class list highlighting the benefits of smart growth and then research, discuss, and present their findings on the benefits of smart growth and how it...

Kick-start a discussion of the importance of biodiversity with a colorful resource that touts the benefits of maintaining healthy ecosystems. The images stress the interdependence of all the elements of an ecosystem.

Learners examine the economic and ecological benefits of forest canopies. They read and discuss an article, answer questions, conduct research, draw field sketches of a canopy ecosystem, conduct a feasibility study, or prepare tourist...

Learners gain appreciation for the value of the forest. In this forest instructional activity, students discuss the benefits of forests and their products. They play a kinesthetic game about the consumers of the forest.  

First graders examine pictures of forest wildlife and identify different animals that live in the forest. They discuss resources the forest provides for human use and explore the concept that the forest is used by many at the same time.

Students identify by-products from forests used in their everyday lives. They describe several ways in which people depend on forests. Students list everyday products made from trees, then research and categorize less common products...

Learners discuss forest management dilemmas and make uninformed decisions as to whether they are appropriate management techniques. They draw bar graphs of the class opinion for each dilemma. They use media sources to become more...

Young scholars create a collage of wood products labeled by type of wood product.  For this product engineering lesson, students work in groups to find pictures of solid wood products, engineered wood products, wood pulp, paper...

Students discuss the benefits and problems associated with fire. They discuss the role that fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Students brainstorm ways that fire can be harmful, such as damaging homes, communities, and...

Students compare and contrast the temperate forest and wetlands by researching them in groups. In this forest lesson plan, students identify the economic, ecological, and social benefits of each.

Students investigate claims of medicinal plants found in the rain forest. In this research skills lesson, students examine the validity of Internet sources as they visit websites in search of information about rain forest plants that are...

In this forest decomposition worksheet, students read a one page detailed text about how rotting logs benefit forest animals. Students answer 6 essay questions.

Fifth graders explore forest lands in Oregon and how the population affects forest management. They discuss benefits of retaining forests and logging. Given a mini-biography, 5th graders role play the forest management policies and...

Eighth graders examine criteria that may be involved in forest certification.  In this rainforest lesson students create a brochure to educate people on the benefits of buying certified forest products.

Students explore the lives of bgeahvers. They identify the physical and behavioral adaptations that help beavers survive in their environment. Students compare and contrast how beavers influence the ecology of both forest and aquatic...

Students investigate how the forest affects their daily lives by creating a concept map.  In this ecological lesson, students create a concept map linking the forest to the many things they use each day.  Students take a field...

Young scholars identify the major watersheds of Pennsylvania. In this forestry lesson, students learn what a watershed is and are assigned one of the major watersheds of Pennsylvania. Groups then need to determine the boundaries of...

Students explain that while cities have unattractive features, the density of human life enables energy efficiency, mass transit, recycling, and other benefits which are difficult or impossible in rural areas. This is the fifth in an...

Think outside the box - and think about education beyond the classroom walls - with a resource that has your critical thinkers watching a video about a nursery in Scotland that lets youngsters roam wild in a forest....

An engaging unit on wildfires includes three sections, including a background section with eight lessons and five activities, a field experience section with 13 lessons and five activities, and a conclusion section featuring an...

Twelfth graders construct a timeline to show changes and trends in the future of urban and community forestry. In this forestry lesson, 12th graders discuss the importance of trees. They read a timeline and add future events to show...

Students explore changing logging practices in the Congo Republic and research the many roles of tropical forests as a natural resource. To synthesize their understanding, students write letters to loggers in Africa, urging them to adopt...