|
| |
Tree-mendous Stewardship
| Strand: |
Conservation/Stewardship, Social Studies, Science |
| Grade Level: |
4-6 |
| Duration: |
2 - 3 45 minute class periods |
| Location: |
Pre/post visit and on-site classroom activity |
| Objective: |
To understand the importance of preserving our natural
resources.
To be aware of the habitats provide by the the park environment.
To be aware of a persons role in keeping the environment safe. |
| Materials: |
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Tree-Mendous Trees activity sheet (included)
any tree identification book - sources might include the state's Department of Natural
Resources, Arbor Day Foundation, a county conservation brochure, library book on tree
identification, etc. |
| Vocabulary: |
natural resource
renewable resource
non-renewable resource |
| Procedure: |
- Read the story, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The story is about a
relationship between a boy and a tree throughout both of their lives. The story show
that the tree gives shade, bears fruit, provides lumber, etc. for the boy as he grows
older. The tree gives and gives as the boy asks for more and more. The tree
gives the last gift it can, and still it is happy it could help the boy.
- After reading the story, lead a discussion on useful items provided by or made from
trees. Include providing oxygen and animal habitats as some of the uses.
Incorporate vocabulary words into this discussion. Ask the students how trees are
renewable.
- Discuss the life-span of trees and how to tell the age of a tree by counting its rings.
- Take a walk around the school campus and look for trees. Use a tree identification
source to determine what kinds of trees grow in your area. Have students estimate
the age of trees.
- Read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. The story is about a man who cuts down trees
because people need the product created by the trees. Problems occur, but the trees
still come down until the very last one is chopped. It seems the entire species is
completely wiped out until one seed is discovered to save it from extinction.
- Discuss how the removal of trees could have disastrous effects. Destroying
forests, little by little, harm the habitat for many animals and can eventually wipe out a
forest region.
- During your visit to Effigy Mounds National Monument, students can identify trees along
their hike. They may think of ways the people who settled the area may have used the
trees. Use the Tree-Mendous Trees worksheet for this
activity.
- Do the Adopt a Tree activity in the Junior Ranger Booklet
available at the Visitor's Center. Don't forget the tree rubbing!
|
| |
|