1.18 Students use computers, telecommunications, and other tools of technology to research, to gather information and ideas, and to represent information and ideas accurately and appropriately.

1.20 Students use graphs, charts, and other visual presentations to communicate data accurately and appropriately.

2.1 Students ask a variety of questions.

2.2 Students use reasoning strategies, knowledge, and common sense to solve complex problems related to all fields of knowledge.

4.6 Understanding place.

7.1 Students use scientific methods to describe, investigate, and explain phenomena.

7.2 Students design and conduct a controlled experiment and field work.

7.11 Students analyze and understand living and non-living systems as collections of interrelated parts and interconnected systems.

7.13aa Identify, model and explain the structure and function of organisms, both as individual entities and as components of larger systems.

Observations versus inferences

Define a natural community

Use of a dichotomous key

Understand the parts, function and cycles of plants

Interpretation of a natural community landscape

Interdependence of geology, parent material, soils, hydrology, topography, plants, fungi, animals, climate, and disturbance

Organize information into a written report

Convey information clearly and effectively

Use facts and details to convey information

=> Introduction to unit: Calvin and Hobbs cartoon, John Wright poem
=> Brainstorm web: What is a natural community?
=> Forest observation activities: color paint chip match, smell-good plants, Andy Goldsworthy nature patterns
Lesson #1: Observation versus inference activity
Lesson #2: Writing Detailed Observations. Introduction to nature writing with Annie Dillard
Lesson #3: Leaf it to the Students!
Lesson #4: Breaking Down with dichotomous keys
=> Lecture: Parts of a Plant
=> Find That Tree! Activity
=> Demonstration: Celery Vein Study
=> Lab: Leaf architecture and wind stress
=> Read-aloud: "Leaf It to Us"
=> Lecture: photosynthesis and plant movement
=> Lab: Exploring Plant Tropism
=> Movie: Bill Nye––Forests
=> Lecture: Reproduction in seed plants
Lesson #5: Adopt-A-Tree Project
Lesson #6: Nature Sketches: Common Vermont Tree Book
=> Read "How Do Leaves Change Color?"
=> Read "Why Leaves Change Color."
=> Review Fungi Fact Sheet Read aloud Fungi poem
=> The Fallen Log Activity
Lessons #7, 8, and 9 Analyzing the Forest:
• Plot measurement
• Tree species
• Tree size
• Regeneration
• Damage and disturbance
• Shrubs and density
• Herbaceous layer and ground cover
• Macrofauna
• Microfauna
• Topography
• Geology
• Soils
• Weather and climate
=> Analysis of Controversial Forest Issues
=> Sustainable Forestry, Ecosystem Management, and Land Stewardship
Culminating Activities
Lesson #10: Creating a Dichotomous Key of Snake Mountain Trees
Lesson #12: Final Essay

Group work

Observation chart

Nature writing journal entry

Plant collection
Salamander Worksheet
Designing your own key
Worksheet
Worksheet

Worksheet

Lab report write-up
Worksheet

Comprehensive journal entries
Data Tables
Research report
Eight entries in tree book
Answer Questions
Write 5 questions with answers

Fieldtrip: Fungi Analysis at Old Mill Park, Jericho

Site Data Sheet & Forest Mural Inventory Recording Forms Fieldtrips to:
=> Winooski River Flood- plain Forest (Lesson #7
=> Deep Broadleaf Marsh & Bulrush Marsh at Sandbar State Park (Lesson #8)
=> Montane Spruce-birch forest, high elevation community, Bolton Valley
=> Colchester Bog
=> Rich Northern Hardwood Forest, Richmond
=> Cliff-Talus community, Richmond
=> Mount Mansfield transect (Lesson #9)

Dichotomous Key of Snake Mountain Trees

Final Essay: "What are the pieces, patterns, and processes of a natural community?"

Checklist

Journal Writing Rubric

Answer Key
Task-specific 'Rubric Quiz: Parts of a Plant

Lab Report Rubric

Answer Key

Lab Report Rubric
Answer Key

Task-specific Rubrics

Task-specific Rubric

Answer Key

Checklist

Decomposition Checklist
Checklists/ Answer Keys

Lab Report Rubric/
Answer Keys/Checklists/
Task-specific Rubrics

Task-specific Rubric

Checklist of concepts
Writing Report Rubric