THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Forest Ecology

The Wonders 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 Tennessee Standard Course of Study

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5th Grade TOP

Science

Life Science

Interactions Between Living Things and Their Environment:

5.2.1 Investigate the relationships among organisms in a specific ecosystem.

* Classify specific kinds of relationships among plants and animals within an ecosystem.

5.2.2 Recognize that organisms are able to change their environment.

* Predict the consequences of a human action on the environment

Food Production and Energy for Life:

5.3.1 Realize that plants and animals use food for energy.

* Explain how plants produce their own food.

5.3.2 Recognize the function of specific structures in organisms that allow them to obtain and use energy.

* Describe how various plant structures are associated with food production (i.e., stems, leaves, stomata).

Heredity and Reproduction:

5.4.1 Realize that certain characteristics are passed from parents to offspring.

a. Explain the function of the flower in plant reproduction.

b. Observe specific plants and explain how they grow from and produce seeds (i.e. sunflowers, beans).

c. Compare and contrast how different plants reproduce (i.e. flowers, spores).

5.4.2 Realize that reproduction is necessary for the survival of the species.

a. Recognize that new generations of living things arise through reproduction.

b. Explain that the continuation of a species is dependent upon the reproduction of its members

Diversity and Adaptation Among Living Things:

5.5.1 Realize that plants and animals can be grouped according to similarities and differences in their characteristics.

* Classify plants according to their characteristics.

5.5.2 Determine that adaptations help organisms to survive in their environments.

* Compare how plants are adapted to different environments (e.g., palm tree, fir tree, cactus).

English

Reading

Content Standard: 1.0

The student will develop the reading and listening skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of print and non-print text.

Accomplishment:

5.1.01 Continue to develop oral language and listening skills.

a. Listen attentively by facing the speaker, asking questions, and paraphrasing what is said.

b. Use established rules for conversation (e.g., do not interrupt, ask questions, provide appropriate feedback).

d. Formulate and respond to questions from teachers and other group members.

f. Summarize orally what has been learned or accomplished after completing an activity or assignment.

j. Interpret and use a variety of non-verbal communication techniques (e.g., gestures, facial expression, posture).

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