journal page pdf

pre-visit activities

post-visit activities

links

submit an idea

Wolf Ridge class info

Forest Ecology Classroom Connections

The Wolf Ridge Forest Ecology class provides many extension possiblilites for the classroom. Tie-ins can be made to a variety of topics including biodiversity, ecosystems, land management and use, tree identification, wood products, and more. Visit this page periodically as we will add new activities and links suggested by Wolf Ridge visiting school teachers, and eventually our own interactive on-line activities.

Pre-Visit Activities

1. Tree Identification
Using A Beginner’s Guide to Minnesota Trees (David Rathke, 1995, U of MN Extension Service, ISBN 0-9623116-2-6) students learn how to use this simplified tree key and identify school yard or local trees.
Graduation Standards:
4-5th Read, Listen, View: Literal Comprehension (1,2)
6-8th Read, Listen, View; Technical Reading (1-3)

2. We All Need Trees
By examining a large collection of household items, students will determine which are made from trees. Readings would help students explain how tree products are made. Students will be asked to explore methods for reusing and recycling products. Lesson plan available from Project Learning Tree, MDNR Division of Forestry, 500 Lafayette Rd, St. Paul, MN 55155-4044, 651-296-4491
Graduation Standards:
4-5th Inquiry: Media, Observation, Investigation (A)
6-8th Inquiry: Direct Observation (1)

Post-Visit Activities

1. To Log or Not to Log
A classroom mock trial where students role play attorneys, witnesses and jury. The case involves an imaginery small mill town being confronted by a national environmental group. "To Log or Not to Log" would take a week of school time: several days to research for roles, two or three class periods for the mock trial itself. The lesson plan is contained in Earth Matters (2nd edition) available from Zero Population Growth, 1400 16th Street N.W. Suite 320, Washington, DC 20036.
Graduation Standard:
6-8th People and Cultures: Current Issue Analysis( (1-5)

2. The Lorax
After reading the classic Dr. Suess story, students will examine the meanings of the story by identifying who really is the Onceler, what are thneeds, etc. Question and discussion sheet available from Wolf Ridge upon request.
Graduation Standards:
4-5th Read, Listen, View: Literal Comprehension (1)
6-8th Read, Listen, View: Fiction (1-6)

Links

Under construction.

Wolf Ridge Class Information

Class Description:

Based in the unique Forest Ecology Building, students will travel through the woods gaining a balanced appreciation of both the living forest and wood as a harvested resource. Field work may involve planting, brushing around seedlings, and bud capping to discourage deer predation. Students will be challenged to make a simple forest management plan, and choose ways to manage personal consumption to maintain forest sustainability.

This is an all-day class (with lunch served at the Building) paired with either Stream Study, Fisheries Management, Beavers, Animal Signs, or Cross-country Skiing. Please send one adult to accompany this class.

Total time: 3 hours (two hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: strenuous
Travel: 2 miles
Total uphill travel: 400 feet

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Forestry class students will be able to:

Identify the major tree species at Wolf Ridge.

Define the following forestry terms: cord, acre, plantation, succession, ecosystem, pioneer species, climax species, snag, diversity (age and species), clearcut, selective cut, erosion, habitat, pollution, sustainable.

Recognize and evaluate the multiple uses of a forest (timber, wildlife, water, recreation).

Demonstrate silvicultural practices such as releasing, bud capping, crosscut sawing.

Design a simple forest management plan.

Choose ways to manage personal consumption in order to maintain forest sustainability.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Forest Ecology class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills: Teamwork, Resource Management, Safety.

H.S Sciences: Environmental Systems (A, E,G)
H.S. Inquiry 4.6: Issue Analysis (A-F)
H.S. Sciences: Biological Concepts (A, D)

6-8th People and Culture: Current Issue Analysis (1-5)
6-8th Sciences: Living Systems (2)

4-5th Sciences: Living and Non-Living Systems (A1,3,4, B1,2,4)
4-5th People and Cultures: Geography and Citizenship (4a)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
• A growing human population is making increasing demands on natural resources.
• Unless interrupted, ecosystems change in a predictable manner called succession.
• Humans have a great ability to alter natural systems, and a responsibility to consider the effects of our actions.