THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Forest Ecology

The Wonder and Mystery of Forests

By exploring healthy forests students learn that there is much more to a forest than just trees. They will learn how a tree works, why certain species grow where they do and why humans and animals need trees. Students also discuss forests as a system of plants, animals, and decomposers. Key concepts/vocabulary: succession, dichotomous key, habitat, erosion, photosynthesis, decomposers, deciduous/evergreen, xylem, phloem, seed dispersal, and succession.

From the North Carolina Standard Course of Study

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4th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 1

The learner will build an understanding of animal growth and adaptation.

1.03 Evaluate living and nonliving things that affect animal life:

  • Other animals.
  • Plants.
  • Climate.
  • Water.
  • Air.
  • Location.

English

Competency Goal 2

The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.

2.09 Listen actively by:

  • asking questions.
  • paraphrasing what was said.
  • interpreting speaker’s verbal and non-verbal messages.
  • interpreting speaker’s purposes and/or intent

Social Studies

Competency Goal 1

The learner will apply the five themes of geography to North Carolina and its people.

1.04 Evaluate ways the people of North Carolina used, modified, and adapted to the physical environment, past and present.

Competency Goal 2

The learner will examine the importance of the role of ethnic groups and examine the multiple roles they have played in the development of North Carolina.

2.03 Describe the similarities and differences among people of North Carolina, past and present.
5th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 1

The learner will build an understanding of the interdependence of plants and animals.

1.03 Evaluate the variety of organisms an ecosystem can support.

1.04 Relate the role of light, range of temperatures, and soil composition to an ecosystem's capacity to support life.

Competency Goal 3

The learner will build an understanding of landforms.

3.01 Summarize changes to the earth caused by erosion, weathering, and mass wasting.

English

Competency Goal 2

The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.

2.09 Listen actively and critically by:

  • asking questions.
  • delving deeper into the topic.
  • elaborating on the information and ideas presented.
  • evaluating information and ideas.
  • making inferences and drawing conclusions.
  • making judgments.
6th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 1

The learner will build an understanding of the lithosphere.

1.01 Determine how physical and biological agents and processes form soil and affect soil characteristics.

1.02 Analyze soil properties that can be observed and measured to predict soil quality:

  • Horizon profile.
  • Infiltration.
  • Soil temperature.
  • Structure.
  • Consistency.
  • Texture.
  • Particle size.
  • Soil pH.
  • Fertility.
  • Soil moisture.

1.03 Evaluate ways in which human activities have affected Earth's pedosphere and the measures taken to control the impact:

  • Ground cover.
  • Farming.
  • Land use.
  • Nutrient balance.

Competency Goal 2

The learner will investigate the characteristics of matter and energy flow through an ecosystem.

2.01 Examine evidence that plants convert light energy into stored energy which the plant, in turn, uses to carry out its life processes.

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience.

1.03 Interact appropriately in group settings by:

  • listening attentively.
  • showing empathy.
  • contributing relevant comments connecting personal experiences to content.
  • monitoring own understanding of the discussion and seeking clarification as needed.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • describing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • identifying changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • interpreting how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
7th Grade TOP

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.03 Interact in group settings by:

  • responding appropriately to comments and questions.
  • offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
  • giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
  • soliciting and respecting another person’s opinion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.

Competency Goal 2

The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.

2.01 Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:

  • summarizing information.
  • determining the importance of information.
  • making connections to related topics/information.
  • monitoring comprehension.
  • drawing inferences.
  • generating questions.
  • generating questions.

Competency Goal 4

The learner will refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.

4.01 Analyze the purpose of the author or creator by:

  • examining any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
  • exploring and evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
8th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 2

The learner will build an understanding of population dynamics.

2.02 Conclude that some ecosystem resources are finite.

2.03 Explain how changes in habitat may affect organisms.

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.03 Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:

  • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
  • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
  • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.

Competency Goal 2

The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

2.01 Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:

  • summarizing information.
  • determining the importance of information.
  • making connections to related topics/information.
  • monitoring comprehension.
  • drawing inferences.
  • generating questions.
  • extending ideas.

Competency Goal 4

The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and apply criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.

4.01 Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:

  • evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
  • evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.

Go back to NC class list.