Begin with a discussion on why forests are important and what happens when they are cleared. Use storytelling to engage students with the topic.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Clearing Forests
Learning Objectives
- Understand that forests are cleared by people for cities, farmland, and resources.
- Recognize that clearing forests causes significant changes to the environment.
- Identify the impact on plants and animals when forests are cleared.
- Learn that animals may die or move to new places when forests are cleared.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain how people clear forests for cities, farmland, and resources. Discuss the impact on the environment, plants, and animals.
Use the video 'Human Changes to the Environment' to illustrate how human activities impact natural habitats and emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship.
Guided Exploration
Engage students in a discussion about what happens to animals and plants when forests are cleared. Encourage them to think about where animals might go.
Conduct a guided walk around the schoolyard to observe and discuss any changes in the environment caused by human activities.
Hands-On Activity
Have students create a model of a forest using natural materials and then simulate clearing it to observe the changes.
Use the 'How Do People Change the Environment?' assessment to allow students to model and discuss human impacts on the environment.
Independent Practice
Encourage students to draw or write about what they learned regarding forest clearing and its impact on the environment.
Check for Understanding
Ask students to share their drawings or writings and explain what happens when forests are cleared.
Review and Reflection
Review the main points about forest clearing and its environmental impact. Encourage students to reflect on how they can help protect forests.
Assessment and Extension
Use the 'Review – Changes to the Environment' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of the topic.
Try the Quiz
