Lesson Plan
Project #1

Stephanie Rottier
EDMT 380-002
Spring 2004

Tree Science and Math $Math symbols, Calculator, and Numbers$

Grade Level: 4th-6th Grade

Description and Summary: This lesson is about identifying tree species and the diseases that commonly threaten them around the United States. As the students do this, they will learn about how and why trees receive or spread different diseases. They will identify several trees and their related diseases and also identify whether or not a tree is healthy or diseased and how they know. They will then create a means of presentation for this material so that others will be able to gain knowledge about this subject matter. Finally, we will be incorporate time into this lesson by trying to establish how fast the diseases travel versus how fast we people travel, and other ways much like that.

Learner Analysis: Many of my students are average to above average students, so for those this activity may be challenging but, attainable, for them. They will be working collaboratively in groups, therefore hopefully overcoming any difficulties that lie in their paths. Also, I have a few special education students whose cognitive capacity is enough to keep them in the fourth grade, but at the same time, they struggle in some specific areas, one being time. Therefore, I will incorporate them in the groups for some of the lesson, but at other times, I will have my SPED children work at the computer using the software Numbers Undercover as a way to enhance their time telling skills.

Prerequisite of Student Skills: Students will need to what a tree is and possibly specific types of trees. Also, the students will need to know how to use both the Internet and encyclopedias and other types of resources for this lesson. Finally, I am going to try to incorporate time and travel in this lesson, so the students will need some sort of understanding of how to read a clock and distinguish how much time each separate travel schedule allows.

Wisconsin Curriculum Standards Addressed (Core and Technology):

Science Standards

D.4.1 Understand that objects are made of more than one substance, by observing, describing and measuring the properties of earth materials, including properties of size, weight, shape, color, temperature, and the ability to react with other substances

D.4.2 Group and/or classify objects and substances based on the properties of earth materials

D.4.4 Observe and describe changes in form, temperature, color, speed, and direction of objects and construct explanations for the changes

Geography Standards

A.4.6 Identify and distinguish between predictable environmental changes, such as weather patterns and seasons, and unpredictable changes, such as floods and droughts, and describe the social and economic effects of these changes

A.4.7 Identify connections between the local community and other places in Wisconsin, the United States, and the world

A.4.9 Give examples to show how scientific and technological knowledge has led to environmental changes, such as pollution prevention measures, air-conditioning, and solar heating

ISTE Technology Standards

A.4.1 Use common media and technology terminology and equipment

A.4.2 Identify and use common media formats

Instructional Objective:
Explore the shared and varied traits of trees.
Examine the spread of tree diseases in the United States.
Research certain American species of trees and the diseases that commonly threaten them.
Synthesize their understanding of trees and tree diseases by creating a presentation that can be shared with others, as a way of identifying healthy and diseased trees as well as how to protect trees from diseases.

***Many of these standards were taken straight from the lesson plan that is cited below.

List of Materials/Equipment:
Computer w/ CD-Rom
Tree encyclopedias/identification guides
Dictionaries
CD-Rom Encyclopedia
Internet Station
The book Alien Invaders Reshape the American Landscape
Paper and Pencil
Vocabulary sheet
Different Art Media - crayons/markers/scissors/glue/colored pencils/construction paper
Numbers Undercover Software

Prerequisite Teacher Skills: The teacher should have a general understanding of trees and their diseases. The teacher should know how to effectively use different resources in order to help find the information the students are looking for. The teacher should also have a general content knowledge of the book Alien Invaders Reshape the American Landscape. Finally, the teacher should be able to use CD-Roms and their materials, as well as being able to navigate the internet.

Activity Sequence Sketched Out:

WARM-UP/DO NOW:
Students respond to the following prompt, written on the board prior to class: "On a piece of paper, draw a tree, including as much detail as possible." After a few minutes, divide students into five small groups and have them share their images. What features do their drawings have in common? How do their images differ? After they have had the opportunity to share in small groups, each group should report back to the class. Create two columns on the board, labeled "Shared Traits" and "Varied Traits," and as students share their tree features, write their ideas in the appropriate columns on the blackboard.

Group Time-Researching the following focus questions:
(They will be provided different stations that they will be able to go to do their research-for instance an internet station, a station with encyclopedias and tree dictionaries, and a station with the book Alien Invaders Reshape the American Landscape.)

a. What did Hermann Merkel discover in the early 1900's?
b. What is thought to be the origin of the chestnut blight and the Dutch elm disease?
c. According to many scientists, what impact will world trade have on tree diseases?
d. What are some examples of tree diseases that are common in North America?
e. Why have tree diseases received such little notice outside of the community of forest researchers?
f. Why have people noticed the effects of dogwood anthracnose?
g. Why do dogwoods planted in sunny yards escape dogwood anthracnose?
h. What beneficial roles do dogwoods play in the forest?
i. How have animals suffered due to the disappearance of chestnut trees?
j. How have the various species of Phytophthora inflicted devastation throughout history?
k. Why are cures for these diseases so difficult to administer on a forest-wide scale?
l. What steps are being taken to prevent the spread of tree diseases?
m. How can tree diversity sometimes prevent the spread of tree diseases?
n. How can some tree diseases ironically prove to be beneficial?

Also, during part of this time there will be a group of SPED students working at the computer on their time telling skills with the software program Numbers Undercover.

Finishing Research/Create Presentation:
(The research and presentation may take more than one day. Be sure to allot enough time for the students to properly and successfully finish.)

The criteria for their presentation is:
Draw an image of a healthy example of the tree. This should include close-up images of a leaf, bark, and any flowers, seeds or fruits that the tree produces.
Describe the ideal conditions for this tree to thrive, and list the regions where this tree is commonly found.
Explain how other plants and/or animals are dependent on this tree for their survival.
According to the article "Alien Invaders Reshape the American Landscape," identify the disease that is currently afflicting these types of trees, and create an illustration of the diseased tree, showing how the disease impacts its various parts.
List the symptoms of this disease and explain how it is commonly spread.
Include any other information that you feel is pertinent to this project.

WRAP UP/HOMEWORK:
Each group will present their research to the class, allowing students to draw parallels or point out differences between their researched tree diseases and that are being presented.

This is the website that I got my main lesson plan off of:
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20020205tuesday.html

Last Updated May 13, 2004
Questions or Comments? Contact: rottiesj@uwec.edu

Lesson Plan Project #1

Lesson Plan
Project #1