Get Outside!

Trees and Keys

Class Description:

Trees and Keys is an ecology class. Students will learn how to construct and use a simple dichotomous identification key. Given a map and a simplified tree and shrub key, students will travel between trees and attempt to identify them correctly. Temperate and tropical forests will be compared and students will learn about species diversity. Students will receive a tropical forest tree seed to plant to remind them of the value of maintaining biodiversity.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Trees and Keys class students will be able to:

  • Construct, understand and use a simple dichotomous key to identify up to18 trees and shrubs around Wolf Ridge.
  • Evaluate their role in the stewardship of natural resources.
  • Appreciate the plant diversity found in the forests of Wolf Ridge.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

Wolf Ridge has aligned the Center's entire curriculum to Minnesota Department of Education Academic Standards. As the primary student audience at Wolf Ridge is from 4th-12th grade, the matrices address these grade levels. Teachers may request that their students focus upon a specific benchmark while attending Wolf Ridge. The Wolf Ridge Curriculum Standards Matrix addresses benchmarks in

  • Science
  • Math
  • History and Social Science
  • Language Arts
  • Arts

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

  • Natural Resources -A growing human population is making increasing demands on natural resources.
  • Ecosystems - Humans have a great ability to alter natural systems, and a responsibility to consider the effects of our actions.
  • Biodiversity - A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
  • See entire Wolf Ridge Curriculum Framework

 

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Time
3 hours total
2 hours outdoors

Audience
4th grade - adult

Activity level
moderate

Travel
1 1/4 mile

Total uphill travel
200 feet