Lesson LEAFlet

Teaching/Learning Resources

Subject Area: Earth Science

Grade Level: 6th

Curriculum Integration: Nature, Social Skills, and Biology

Lesson Objectives:

This sixth grade lesson will be on photosynthesis and the role that trees play in it. Assuming that the teacher saw my bulletin board on it , they can use a similar one and build on it by making worksheets or bringing in films related to it and then make up tests/quizzes using some of the questions below or from my bulletin board.

Materials Required:

Bulletin Board materials
Laminated process of photosynthesis card
Related books will be in pockets on the bulletin board
Leaf cut-outs
Pencil
Paper
Stapler
Paper trunk with limbs for tree

Lesson Outline:

The teacher will make a bulletin board in which the students can interact with and learn more about photosynthesis and trees in general. They will read facts out of the books attached to the bulletin board, and write six facts they learned on leaf cut outs provided. After they are finished they staple their leaf on the tree on the bulletin board. In class the unit will consist of a short lecture about photosynthesis and the role that trees play in it. Then, the students will have a chance to read about it on the bulletin board and in other related books that can be brought into the classroom, along with related worksheets and films. Followed by a test/quiz using the bulletin board by covering up the descriptions or in written form using similar information. Some sample test questions could be:

     1. What tree takes in carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen while producing sugar for the tree?
       Answer: Leaves.
     2. What role do branches and the inner bark play in keeping the tree alive ?
       Answer: They carry the food to all of the parts of the tree to keep them functioning.

Extension Activities:

The bulletin board can be used to have the students write a page on it and the process that it shows step by step. Also, with their knowledge gained about trees students can think of their own reasons for why they think trees are important to our environment and to us, then make a list of them.

Submitted by:

Racheal Berry, Jason Gerle, Heather Hogue, and Paula Braendel

Compiled by: Tina Beenken

Endorsed by: Dr. Don E. Descy, Mankato State University

For:
Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park

Send plans to:

Dr. Charles Elliott, Director
       Educational Technology
       Gannon University
       109 University Square
       Erie, PA   16541