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Trees and Climate Change

Elementary, Middle

Description

Healthy forests are essential to a healthy planet. Beginning with a scene of the narrator enjoying the cool shade of a mature tree on a hot summer day, this video uses engaging visuals, animations and real-world examples to take students on a virtual field trip exploring how trees reduce air pollution, manage stormwater, moderate temperatures and protect biodiversity. As students learn that thriving forests are one of the most effective nature-based solutions to climate change, they are encouraged to reflect on how their personal choices can support forest conservation. With an accompanying free teacher's guide containing discussion prompts, this resource brings forests into the classroom and encourages meaningful conversations about why trees are so important to both people and the environment.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This video supports Grade 3-8 Science outcomes related to plant biology, ecosystem dynamics, interdependence and climate change. The film also strengthens understanding of human impacts on the environment and the connections between individual stewardship, community sustainability and global environmental concerns.

The resource could also be used as an introduction to a classroom action project centered around the United Nations International Day of Forests, celebrated each year on March 21st. Students could create a school "Forest Gallery Wall" with artwork, photographs and stories inspired by forests that includes public-awareness resources about forest values. A community showcase could invite residents and municipal representatives to view the gallery and hear a presentation by a local arborist about growing and caring for native tree species.

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.
    • Grade 6
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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.
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • British Columbia
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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
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
  • Manitoba
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        • Growth and Changes in Plants
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      • Science
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        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
        • Life Systems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Earth Science
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
        • Our Local Environment : Scientific Literacy
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
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        • Habitats and Communities
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interaction of Ecosystems
  • Northwest Territories
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Plants
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      • Science
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        • Science 4: Habitats
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Environmental Action
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Science 8: Climate Change
  • Nunavut
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        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
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      • Science
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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        • Plant Growth and Changes
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats and Communities
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Habitat Loss
  • Wildlife Protection

Land Use & Natural Resources (3)

  • Forests
  • Habitat Restoration
  • Planting Native Species

Water (1)

  • Watershed Protection