Each group member has designed one of the eight lesson places in the Canopy Connections packet. The packet is centered around a four-part field trip with optional pre- and post- trip classroom lessons. The first pre-trip lessons introduce students to the concept of old-growth forests and the second covers forest succession and natural disturbances. The four part field trip lesson plans utilize the forest location to teach about decomposition, Leave No Trace ethics, microclimates, habitats and canopy height. The post-trip lesson plans build on the field trip experiences and focus on the interdependent forest systems and human interaction and conservation of natural resources.

Compiled Lesson Plan Packet

Canopy Connections Final Packet

Canopy Connections Packet (June 4th).pdf

Evaluation Component

Observer and Participant Surveys

Pre-Field Trip #1

This activity introduces middle school students to the vibrant ecosystems of Pacific Northwest old-growth forests through a diverse learning styles approach, and uses constructivist methods to gain an understanding of participants’ previous knowledge.

.doc Ye Olde Old-Growth

.pdf Ye Olde Old-Growth

Pre-Field Trip #2

This activity introduces participants to natural disturbances and succession in forest ecosystems using the experiential learning cycle. Working through this activity, participants will explore the topics of natural disturbance and succession within the following subject areas: life science, scientific inquiry and math, while focusing on graphing data.

.doc Insects, Wind, and Fire - Oh My! 

.pdf Insects, Wind and Fire - Oh My!

Field Trip Lessons

This lesson introduces participants to the interconnectedness of the canopy and the forest floor in old-growth forests. Using critical thinking and problem solving skills, the process of decomposition will be explored through science and math. After playing a card game, making timelines, and performing calculations with wooden blocks, students will be able to list decomposition stages and organisms involved in the nutrient breakdown process, compare timescales, and describe how the forest floor and the canopy are linked.  

.doc Never-Ending Nutrient Cycle

.pdf Never-Ending Nutrient Cycle

This lesson plan introduces participants to the scale and structure of the forest ecosystem through simple observation, measurements, and comparisons. Participants will apply mathematic and scientific processes to measure three components of an old-growth tree and analyze the results.

.doc How to Measure a Giant

.pdf How to Measure a Giant

This activity provides participants the opportunity to experience a normally inaccessible habitat. With the help of the Pacific Tree Climbing Institute participants will ascend into the canopy of an old-growth Douglas-fir tree. We will use this unique opportunity to identify plant species found at this height and gain a new perspective on the forest. Through the species scavenger hunt and silent observation, participants will become more physically and mentally cognizant of the value of this special habitat.  

.doc Climbing in the Canopy

.pdf Climbing in the Canopy

By incorporating experiential education techniques, participants will observe and analyze wildlife habitat characteristics and microclimate conditions that can be applied to real-life survival scenario.  In exploring life science and geography, the concept of a microclimate will be explained, plants identified, and forest resources evaluated that enhance a survival situation.  With an emphasis on Wilderness Survival, the 10 Essentials, the use of natural resources as survival aids, and strategies of what to do when lost will be addressed.

.doc Do as the Animals Do

.pdf Do as the Animals Do

Post-Field Trip #1

This activity reiterates the interconnectedness that was introduced during the fieldtrip at H.J. Andrews and gives participants a new approach to interact with the diversity of Pacific Northwest forests. The activity itself brings in different aspects of learning through creative writing, researching, and active participation.

.doc Wanted: Home Sweet Home

.pdf Wanted: Home Sweet Home

Post-Field Trip #2

This lesson plan is designed as the action component to conclude an educational unit on old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. The activities in this lesson introduce participants to a diverse array of human interactions with forests and use inquiry to promote critical thinking skills in the context of addressing environmental issues, specifically personal conservation efforts.

.doc Folks and Forests

.pdf Folks and Forests

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