The Changing Forest: Forest Ecology

In The Changing Forest: Forest Ecology module, students examine ecological systems of a forest; analyze interdependencies within a forest ecosystem; and explore factors, like fire, that shape the development of forests. In addition, they develop critical thinking skills and discover the importance of scientific analysis when making decisions about forest issues.

Here's what's inside the module:

• Introduction

• Background Information

• Student Activities - Overviews and resources for the activities can be viewed by clicking on one of the activity titles:
  
  1. Adopt-A-Forest
  2. Cast of Thousands
  3. The Nature of Plants
  4. Home Sweet Home
  5. Saga of the Gypsy Moth
  6. Story of Succession
  7. Understanding Fire
  8. Fire Management

• Appendices:
  
  1. Bibliography
  2. Glossary
  3. Field trip safety and tips
  4. Bringing nature indoors
  5. Sample nature guide
  6. Additional Reading
  7. PLT Conceptual Framework

• Find a Changing Forest: Forest Ecology workshop near you.

Resources

Meet Us Outside! A Field Ecology Course to Engage All Students in Exploring Environmental Issues 
This article, published in the February 2010 “Going Green” issue of The Science Teacher, the peer-reviewed high school journal of the National Science Teachers Association (http://www.nsta.org/highschool/), includes the adapted activity “Cast of Thousands.”

Earth & Sky
Use a 90-second Earth & Sky radio show in conjunction with a PLT activity to "virtually" bring a guest scientist into your classroom. Listen to or download a related Earth & Sky show and its transcript.

Beyond Data Collection: Field Investigation Models
New Hampshire PLT has collected data from Hubbard Brook, NH Fish and Game Department, and the Harvard Forest Schoolyard Program so that teachers and students can further their data investigations

Forest Inventory Growth Project
Maine PLT has worked with the Maine Forest Service to develop a Forest Inventory Growth (FIG) program.  The FIG website hosts data that can be accessed nationwide.

Urban Community Forestry Education