Natural Science for All Ages

 

" Forest Lessons"

Lessons are composed of 23 scenarios that teach students the flora and fauna of our forests, how to identify species, and educate them on current environmental protection. Activities range from 3-4 hours and are in the form of play and discussion both in the classroom and outside on trails.  

 

1. Forestry

Here students learn the general characteristics of not only our Polish forests but those of Europe and the world. They become familiar with forest ownership and the organization of state-owned woodlands. Appropriate for middle-schoolers, high-schoolers, and adults.  

 

 

2. Functions of the Forest

Students learn about the economics of environmental protection and ecosystem services. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers as well as adults. 

 

 

3. Environmental Threats to Forests

Students explore the biotic and abiotic factors of forests, natural disasters, the impacts of civilization on woodlands and anthropogenic threats. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers as well as adults.  

 

 

4. How to Grow a Forest 

Students learn about forest succession (from the early to late stages) as well as the ways to protect both juvenile and mature woodlands. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers

 

 

5. Protection of Forests 

Students learn about the threats to forests caused by human activities including industry, agriculture, communication, and urbanization. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers as well as adults.  

 

 

6. Forest Fires 

Students learn about forest fires: their natural and anthropogenic causes, prevention, and firefighting. 

 

 

7. Animals of Our Forests 

Students learn to identify the common mammals found in Polish forests. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. 

 

 

8. Why Do Some Birds Migrate 

Students learn about why birds fly away to warmer countries. Appropriate for elementary and middle schoolers. 

 

 

9. Birds Wintering in Poland - Ways to Help Them Survive the Winter 

Appropriate for elementary, middle and high schoolers 

 

 

10. Predators of the Forest - Mammals, Birds, and Insects 

Appropriate for elementary, middle and high schoolers 

 

11. Layered Build of the Forest 

Appropriate for elementary school children

 

 

12. Where Do Christmas Trees Come From 

 

13. Footprints in the Snow 

Students learn to identify animal footprints in the winter via trips into the forest. Appropriate for elementary and middle school children

 

14. Our Deer

Students learn the characteristics of deer, elk, moose, and fallow deer. Appropriate for elementary and middle school children

 

 

15. Protected Animals 

Students explore the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers 

 

16. Protected Forest Plants 

Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers 

 

 

17. Identifying Forest Trees and Shrubs

Fun activities based on learning to identify the leaves and fruits of popular forest plants, with an optional field trip into the forest. Appropriate for elementary and middle school children. 

 

 

18. Forms of Environmental Protection in Poland

 

19. General Characteristics of National Parks in Poland

 

20. Forest School

Students visit the arboretum. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers 

 

 

21. How to Not Lose One's Way in the Forest 

Explorers learn the Cardinal Directions of the World and are taught how to use a map and compass. They also learn to recognize signs in nature that guide one's direction in the wilderness. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers 

 

 

22. Woodsman as Master of the Forest 

Students learn about the job of a forest ranger. Appropriate for elementary, middle, and high schoolers

 

 

23. Treasures of the Forest - What the Forest Gives Us 

Appropriate for elementary and middle school children.