Search Science4Inquiry

Deforestation Lesson Overview



Students will collect data through a simulation game on deforestation and be able to describe how humans have impacted a simulated forest.

Resources

Download the Lesson Plan

Download the Worksheet

Duration
60 min
Setting
Classroom
Grouping
2-4 students/group
PTI Inquiry
3.6, 3.7, 4.2, 5.7, 5.9, 7.3
Lesson Components Time Inquiry Skills Tech. Used Engage Level Brief Description
Engage 15 min 3.6 Internet 3 Students quiz each other on facts about deforestation. Students then view a NASA visualization of rainforest deforestation and make observations. Another Internet mapping tool is used to zoom into the area.
Explore 30 min 3.7, 4.2 None 3 Students perform a simulation of deforestation due to subsistence farming. They record data for analysis.
Explain 15 min 5.7, 5.9, 7.3 None 2 Students share graphed data in a gallery walk. They discuss how their forest plots changed due to human activity. They also discuss how this simulation has both strengths and weaknesses in representing reality.
Expand
(optional)
15 min 3.6 Internet 2 Students use the Global Forest Watch mapping tool to investigate an area of the Earth they are personally interested in. They describe in writing how this area has changed over the last 10-20 years.
Evaluate 5 min   None 1  

Level of Student Engagement
1     Low     Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction
2     Medium     Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance
3     High     Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered

We love your feedback!

Please share your comments (e.g., strengths, areas for improvement, your implementation results if you taught the lesson in your class, and any modifications you made). Thanks!