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How Forests Change

Elementary, Middle

Description

Healthy forests constantly experience ecological succession as a result of disturbances like disease, insect invasions or fire. Traditionally, humans have had a balanced relationship with the woodlands that provided fuel and food but this connection has become drastically altered by activities that lead to deforestation. In this activity students simulate how natural change creates dynamic forest ecosystems where all species are interconnected, while also considering the negative consequences of man-made disturbances. By participating in this outdoor experience, learners will increase their awareness of the critical importance of sustainable resource use in maintaining the health of our planet.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource supports Grade 3-6 Science outcomes related to ecosystem dynamics, interdependence, plant biology and how plants and animals respond to environmental change. The content also reinforces discussions regarding the cultural significance of trees and forests to First Nations communities and the traditional ecological knowledge that is passed from generation to generation.

 

The harmonious relationship between indigenous people and forests can become the focus of an action project in which students work with local Elders to create and maintain a short forest walk on the school grounds. The class could plant native trees, develop interpretive signage with traditional stories about the significance of particular species and create a map that describes the route. This site could become an outdoor learning space for the entire school and a means to promote community awareness of the important role citizen stewardship plays in forest conservation.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world.
        • Investigating change and the diversity of Earth’s systems helps us to develop understandings of the conditions necessary to sustain life.
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
        • Trees and Forests
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
        • Plants for Food and Fibre
  • British Columbia
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      • Social Studies
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        • Global Indigenous Peoples:Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 5
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      • Science
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        • Science 5: Earth materials change as they move through the rock cycle and can be used as natural resources.
  • Manitoba
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        • Growth and Changes in Plants
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        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
  • New Brunswick
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        • Our Local Environment : :Scientific Literacy
        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Properties and Uses of Earth Materials: Scientific Literacy
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        • Science 5: Living and technological Systems: Learning and Living Sustainably
    • Grade 6
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        • Wayfinding: Making sense of your world: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
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        • Habitats
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        • Interaction of Ecosystems
  • Northwest Territories
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        • Communities of the World: Communities of the World
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        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 5
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        • Science 5: Earth materials change as they move through the rock cycle and can be used as natural resources.
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • Nova Scotia
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        • Science 3: Plants
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        • Science 4: Habitats
  • Nunavut
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        • Connecting With the World: The Land: Place & People
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        • Provinces and Territories: Our Places, Stories, and Traditions: The Land: Place & People
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Habitats
    • Grade 7
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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        • Plant Growth and Changes
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        • Habitats and Communities
    • Grade 6
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        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
  • Yukon Territory
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    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples:Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Sustainable Consumption

Ecosystems (1)

  • Interdependence

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Forests