School Forest Curriculum Connections
-Biology-
UNITS Concepts and Activities that can be learned or facilitated at the School Forest
Foundations of Biology Water
Biochemistry
Scientific Method (research projects)
Characteristics of Life (living/non-living, biodiversity (mowed lawn vs. school forest))
Microscopes (pond study)
Ecology Succession (LEAF Program lesson with flow chart)
Invasive Species Ecology
Earthworm Watch
Animal Tracking
Biomes
Energy Transfer
School Forest Ecology Observations
School Forest Soil Study
Pond Abiotic and Biotic Field Results
Cells Photosynthesis (measure light intensity, cover, compare at different times of the year; paper chromatography with tree leaves; pigmentation
Osmosis and cellular transport: How does Round-up destroy cell tissues?
Genetics DNA and Mendelian genetics (look at genetics of native tree species)
Phenotypes of School Forest Organisms
Endangered Species
Evolution Biodiversity
Seed Dispersal-Evolutionary Advantage
Taxonomy Specimen Collections
Leaf Collection (exit LEAF)
Bark Casts: create casts of tree bark to identify trees by bark texture (exit LEAF)
LEAF Tree ID Activity
School Forest Tree Identification
School Forest Taxonomy Investigations
Kingdoms of Life in the School Forest
Bacteria and Viruses (decomposition)
Protists (soil, pond microscope studies)
Animal (identification; winter and summer physiological adaptations)
Fungi (tree disease)
Fungi in the School Forest
Lichen in the School Forest
Plants Plants (edibles, cell specialization, pollen, plant reproduction, seed adaptations)
Outdoor Plant Scavenger Hunt - parts of a plant and classification
Biology Plant Scavenger Hunt
Monocot and Dicot Study at the School Forest
Water From Trees - Transpiration Lab
Bark Casts: create casts of tree bark to identify trees by bark texture (exit LEAF)
LEAF Tree ID Activity
School Forest Tree Identification
Human Body Winter Survival Skills