Seedling Course Trees, Habitats & Climate

Overview

The Seedling Course discusses basic environmental principles about trees, habitats and climate. The course material is covered in a pre-test and answer format. The pre-test introduces students to the material while the follow-up test discussion presents detailed information about the topics. Once the discussion is complete students can play the Mighty Trees game and actively use the knowledge they have just learned. Playing the game reinforces the subject matter.

Objectives

1. Learn basic principles of trees, habitats and climate.
2. Discover the variety of tree species and their growth requirements.
3. Learn real world associations between trees and the environment.
4. Learn about the dynamic and competitive nature of trees.
5. Learn how to use the Tree & Habitat cards.
6. Discover actual strategies trees employ to survive.

Program Guide

All materials needed for this course are accessible below. Click each element to open and print the subject page. Elements are presented in the order in which they are discussed in the course. Each student should have a copy of all overheads, handouts, and worksheets.

Seedling Course (Schedule and Elements)

• Seedling Pre-Test (T.1.1): Introduce subject matter & measure initial level of knowledge
• Discuss Pre-Test Answers (T.1.1 Key): Discussion covers all Seedling material (curriculum & game)
• Review "...ologies" List (Handout H.1.1): Learn relevant science disciplines
• Distribute Seedling Terms (Handout H.1.2): Definitions for environmental terms used in Seedling Course
• Discuss Forest Stratification (Handout H.1.3): Learn about the different layers in a forest
• Review Habitat Card (Overhead O.1.1): How to read and use Habitat Cards
• Review Soil Moisture (Overhead O.1.2) Soil Moisture as a measure of climate. Learn it's influence on the growth of trees.
• Review Hardiness Zones (Overhead O.1.3): Temperature as a measure of climate. Learn how Hardiness Zones are assigned and their distribution in the U.S.
• Review Tree Card (Overhead O.1.4) How to read and use Tree Cards
• Distribute Take-Home Seedling Worksheet (Worksheet W.1.1): Reinforces seedling material, prepares student for playing game
• Seedling Quiz (T.1.2)
• Demonstrate the play of the Seedling Game
• Play the Seedling Game - Repetition reinforces learned material