Eco-Detectives Classroom Teacher Role

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Eco-DetectivesClassroom Teacher Role
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Thank you for being an important part of this
lesson!

• You will be managing the Forest station with one
  group of students.
• You know your students the best, please use your
  professional judgment when selecting students for
  certain tasks.

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What to expect

• The whole class will be divided into 3 groups.
• The groups will rotate between the Forest site,
  Pond site, and Dock site.
• Each rotation will last about 15 minutes.
• You will be able to see all groups from your site
  in the forest.
• You can choose to do this station as a whole
  group or you can split your group into no more
  than 6 smaller groups.

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Tree Investigation Journal

• Remember the purpose of this station is for your
  students to study the tree population in the pond
  area to evaluate the effects of the pollution
  spill.
• Hand out a Tree Investigation Journal to each
  group of students, or half of the group if you
  choose to work as a whole team.

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Why are trees important?

• As a whole group brainstorm answers to the first
  question, Why are trees important?
• Students should write their answers on the tree
  leaves.
• Suggested answers would include give us oxygen,
  provide lumber, habitat, food, medicine, shade,
  etc.
• Allow no more than 5 minutes for this section.

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Tree Identification

• The next step is to divide up your group (or work
  as a team) and choose one of the six numbered
  trees to identify.
• Students will write down the tree , sketch the
  leaf, and then use the North Woods Tree Guide to
  help them identify their tree.
• Students need to check in with you, their
  classroom teacher, who will check the included
  Answer key to verify their selection.

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How old is your tree?

• Once students have the correct identification,
  give them a measuring tape and calculator to help
  them find the circumference of the tree.

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How old is your tree?

• Students should follow the directions in their
  journal to calculate the diameter.
• Circumference 3.14 Diameter
• Using the Tree Growth Rate Chart attached to
  their clipboards, students will find the
  estimated age of their tree.
• Diameter Tree growth rate Age

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Collect Materials

• Please make sure you have all materials before
  letting your group leave.
• Collect the journals and hold onto them
• Clipboards pencils
• Tree Identification guides (total of 6)
• Calculators (total of 10)
• Measuring tapes (total of 6)

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Thank you for taking part in evaluating our pond
ecosystem!If you have any questions please
direct them to one of the MSiC teachers.