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 and vocabulary: succession, dichotomous key, habitat, erosion, photosynthesis, decomposers, deciduous, evergreen, xylem, phloem, seed dispersal and succession.
- 3 hours
- Ideal for 3rd-8th graders
- Has been adapted successfully for older students
From the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
Go back to NC class list.
4th Grade |
SCIENCE
Competency Goal 1
The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.
1.01 Observe and describe how all living and nonliving things affect the life of a particular animal including:
- Other animals
- Plants
- Weather
- Climate
1.03 Observe and discuss how behaviors and body structures help animals survive in a particular habitat.
1.04 Explain and discuss how humans and other animals can adapt their behavior to live in changing habitats.
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.
HEALTHFUL LIVING
Competency Goal 4
The learner will apply knowledge and behavior self management skills to areas of nutrition and physical activity for healthy growth, development and maintenance.
4.07 Evaluate the benefits of drinking plenty of water, especially before and after physical activity.
5th Grade |
SCIENCE
Competency Goal 1
The learner will conduct investigations to build an understanding of the interdependence of plants and animals.
1.01 Describe and compare several common ecosystems (communities of organisms and their interaction with the environment).
1.02 Identify and analyze the functions of organisms within the population of the ecosystem:
- Producers
- Consumers
- Decomposers
1.03 Explain why an ecosystem can support a variety of organisms.
1.04 Discuss and determine the role of light, temperature and soil composition in an ecosystem's capacity to support life.
1.05 Determine the interaction of organisms within an ecosystem.
1.06 Explain and evaluate some ways that humans affect ecosystems:
- Habitat reduction due to development
- Pollutants
- Increased nutrients
1.07 Determine how materials are recycled in nature.
Competency Goal 2
The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of landforms.
2.05 Discuss how the flow of water and the slope of the land affect erosion.
2.07 Discuss and analyze how humans influence erosion and deposition in local communities, including school grounds, as a result of:
- Clearing land
- Planting vegetation
- Building dams
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 |
SCIENCE
Competency Goal 3
The learner will build an understanding of the geological cycles, forces, processes and agents which shape the lithosphere.
3.05 Analyze soil properties that can be observed and measured to predict soil quality including
- Color
- Infiltration
- Soil temperature
- Structure
- Consistency
- Texture
- Particle size
- pH
- Fertility
- Soil moisture
3.06 Evaluate ways in which human activities have affected Earth's pedosphere and the measures taken to control the impact:
- Vegetative cover
- Agriculture
- Land use
- Nutrient balance
- Soil as a vector
3.08 Conclude that the good health of environments and organisms requires
- Monitoring of the pedosphere
- Taking steps to maintain soil quality
- Stewardship
Competency Goal 4
The learner will investigate the cycling of matter.
4.01 Describe the flow of energy and matter in natural systems\
- Energy flows through ecosystems in one direction from the sun through producers to consumers to decomposers
- Matter is transferred from one organism to another and between organisms and their environments
- Water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen are substances cycled between the living and non-living environments
4.02 Evaluate the significant role of decomposers.
4.03 Examine evidence that green plants make food.
- Photosynthesis is a process carried on by green plants and other organisms containing chlorophyll
- During photosynthesis light energy is converted into stored energy that the plant, in turn, uses to carry out its life processes
4.04 Evaluate the significance of photosynthesis to other organisms:
- The major source of atmospheric oxygen is photosynthesis.
- Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and oxygen is released during photosynthesis.
- Green plants are the producers of food that is used directly or indirectly by consumers.
4.05 Evaluate designed systems for ability to enable growth of certain plants and animals.
Competency Goal 7
The learner will conduct investigations and use technologies and information systems to build an understanding of population dynamics.
7.01 Describe ways in which organisms interact with each other and with non-living parts of the environment:
- Coexistence/cooperation/competition
- Symbiosis
- Mutual dependence
7.02 Investigate factors that determine the growth and survival of organisms including
- Light
- Temperature range
- Mineral availability
- Soil/rock type
- Water
- Energy
7.03 Explain how changes in habitat may affect organisms.
7.06 Investigate processes, which operating over long periods of time, have resulted in the diversity of plant and animal life present today:
- Natural selection
- Adaptation
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.
Competency Goal 2
The learner will explore and analyze information from a variety of sources.
2.01 Explore informational materials that are read, heard and/or viewed by
- monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed
- restating and summarizing information
- making connections between works, self and related topics/information
- comparing and/or contrasting information
- drawing inferences and/or conclusions
- generating questions
7th Grade |
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
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 |
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 in response to 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.
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