Water Doesn't Grow on Trees
Learning Targets:
- I will understand that plants and trees are an important part of the water cycle, serve as a water reservoir and prevent erosion from surface runoff.
- I will take action by growing and planting a tree seedling.
Materials
- Organic Potting Soil or Compost
- Plastic Cups
- Seeds: Any easy to grow tree seeds from your region, such as maple and oak. Be sure they have been stratified first (cold treated). Or request starter seedlings from your local Arbor Day chapter or Cooperative Extension
- Watering Can with Water
- Foam Stickers
- Letter Stickers
- Markers
Introduction of Activity
With guidance from the power point presentation, explore a few essential questions:
With guidance from the power point presentation, explore a few essential questions:
- Why are forest and plants important to healthy, natural ecosystems?
- Do forests have an impact on water resources such as rivers, lakes, and watersheds?
- What can happen to water resources when deforestation occurs? What other natural systems can be disturbed by this?
- What is a buffer zone?
Activity
Distribute materials and have students personalize their planting cups. Be sure to punch a hole in the bottom of the cups for drainage. Carefully plant the seeds or seedlings and water. Seedlings can be nurtured in the classroom for a period of time before being sent home with transplant instructions.
Distribute materials and have students personalize their planting cups. Be sure to punch a hole in the bottom of the cups for drainage. Carefully plant the seeds or seedlings and water. Seedlings can be nurtured in the classroom for a period of time before being sent home with transplant instructions.
Follow Up Questions
- What is deforestation and how does it affect our environment?
- Deforestation is the process of cutting down trees without replanting any new ones. This process is bad for our environment because it can cause pollution. Also, the trees can no longer protect our water and prevent flooding and erosion.
- How do trees help keep our water clean?
- The roots of trees can absorb any potentially hazardous material, which prevents these hazards from entering our water.
- What is a buffer?
- A buffer is an area of land where trees and plants are growing that is near a stream, which helps to shade and partially protect a stream from the impact of neighboring lands.