A Technological Twist on Professional Development
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| Using i-Tree Design to show energy effect of a 31" diameter Hickory on the Tuckahoe School building |
Today I spent time at Arlington's Gunston Middle School - to plan three days of classes using Project Learning Tree's Focus on Forests - Monitoring Forest Health module.
In September, we plan to work with a science teacher and 5 classes in the schoolyard at Gunston.
Here's our program for the three 45-minute lessons.
Day 1: Draw our Favorite Trees, do Goods from the Woods, and Tree Biology activities.
Day 2: Observe the Tree Outside the Classroom. Identify the tree using Leafsnap app -(p.s. it's a cherry tree) - and then calculate the tree's ecosystem service benefits using the online tool: i-Tree Design.
Day 3: Observe and compare 6 groups of trees in the schoolyard: including Eastern White Pines, VA Pines, various Oaks and Cherries and Hollies. Students note soil conditions, compare tree leaves and barks, note wildlife, lichen, fungus, disease and environmental factors. Then consider civic engagement and environmental stewardship projects. How could these trees be better managed for long-term sustainability?
Stay tuned for more STEM Outdoors!
