Name: Lisa Slaman

Lesson Plan
Course Code: SVN 3E
Subject: Environmental Science, Workplace Preparation
Grade: 11
Strand: Natural Resource Science and Management (E)
Lesson Title: Introduction to Sustainable Forestry
Length: 75 minutes
Lesson Plan Description

This lesson is designed to introduce students to the field of forestry. The teacher will begin with
a short Think-Pair-Share activity to get students thinking about the forestry industry and some
of the skills and knowledge foresters need to make decisions about the use of forest resources.
The teacher will then explain how the viability of a forest resource can be assessed using forest
value and volume. The teacher will demonstrate and explain how to determine forest value and
volume, and students will practise these skills in the classroom using samples and dichotomous
keys (forest value), and outdoors using measuring sticks/calipers and trees selected by the
teacher. At the end of the class, students will complete exit cards with questions about forest
volume and value to assess their learning.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Ontario Curricular Overall Expectations
E2. Investigate methods scientists use to classify and monitor natural resources, and conduct investigations using
those methods.
Ontario Curricular Specific Expectations
E2.2 Identify and classify a variety of natural resources in Canada, using appropriate classification systems (e.g.
dichotomous keys, botanical keys, tree identification guides).
E3.2 Describe the characteristics and properties that make a natural resource viable for use (e.g. the size, type, and
location of trees).

Learning Goals

TodayI will learn

How to assess forest value
How to calculate forest volume
How forest value and forest volume can be used to determine the viability of a forest
resource
ASSESSMENT and EVALUATION
Success Criteria

I can: Use a dichotomous key to identify coniferous tree species

I can: Measure tree height and diameter and use these values to determine tree volume
Assessment
Observe students while they work to identify tree samples and measure tree height and diameter, and discuss the
correct answers/values as a class. Exit cards will be used to deliver a short quiz with two questions, one pertaining
to forest value and one to forest volume.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING
Resources and Materials /Technology Integration
Dichotomous keys for identification of coniferous trees
Volume tables
Clipboards
Calipers and measuring sticks
Tape for marking trees
Needle samples from spruce, cedar, and white pine trees
 Exit card handouts
PowerPoint lecture slides entitled Introduction to Sustainable Forestry
Computer and projector

Learning Environment
In the classroom, students sit in groups of two and work as pairs. Each pair will be given a set of calipers and a measuring stick, as
well as a sample of spruce, cedar, and white pine needles. Students will work in the same pairs for both the forest value and forest
volume activities. The forest value activity will be completed in the classroom, while the forest volume activity will be completed
outside.

Lesson Delivery Format

What Teachers Do: What Students do:
Minds on: Motivational Hook/engagement /introduction (5 min)
Start PowerPoint presentation. Explain that todays lesson is an Listen to introduction. Think about the
introduction to sustainable forestry, and we will be starting with
the forestry part, and learning about the forestry industry. questions presented, discuss with a
Later on, we will start to talk about the sustainability part, partner, and share thoughts with the
which will include the environmental impacts of logging and class.
how these impacts can be reduced.
Put up the Think-Pair-Share activity on slide 2 (comparing two
forest pictures) and give students a few minutes to think about
the questions presented and discuss them with a partner, then
share their thoughts with the class.

Action: During /working on it (60 min total)

Introduce the learning goals (slide 3).
Using the lecture slides, explain what is meant by forest value
and how to use a dichotomous key for tree identification. Give
each pair of students samples from spruce and cedar trees and
observe them while they practise using the dichotomous key to
identify these. (20 minutes)
Explain what is meant by forest volume and how it can be
calculated. Then provide each pair of students with measuring
tools and move outdoors. Demonstrate how to determine tree
diameter using calipers, tree height using a measuring stick,
and tree volume using the volume chart. Then let students work
in their pairs and practise making measurements and
determining tree volume of specified trees. Observe students
and discuss the correct values. (40 minutes)
Listen to explanation of forest value and
the use of dichotomous keys, and then
practise identifying samples using a
dichotomous key for coniferous trees.
Listen to explanation of forest volume
and instructions for determining tree
height, diameter, and volume. Move
outside and practise measuring tree
height and diameter and using a volume
table to determine tree volume.

Consolidation & Connection (Reflect and Connect) (10 min)

Complete exit cards individually.
Hand out exit cards and give each student a sample of white
pine. Ask students to answer the questions on the exit cards
and hand them in before leaving at the end of class.

References

Ontario Education Resource Bank (OERB)

Resource ID: ELO1275320
SVN3E (Catholic): Unit 4 Entire Unit: Natural Resources Management
Activity 7: Harvesting Forests: Timber!