7th Grade Climate Change

Climate Change and Forestry

Core samples taken in various locations; about 1 hour per class.

This unit is taught in partnership with the University of Michigan.

Click HERE to learn about the University of Michigan's Climate Change and Forestry curriculum.

Additonal resources:

New York Times article: Short Answers to Questions About Climate Change By JUSTIN GILLIS, NOV. 28, 2015.

MLIVE slide show 2015 Forest Health reports on pests that are devastating forests in Michigan. The increased risk is due to both the global nature of trade (for example, it is believed the Emerald Ash Borer "hitched a ride" to the Americas hidden in wooden shipping pallets from Asia), and the effects of climate change on tree health and disease resistance.

Help students help the forest

In addition to completing the climate change and forestry unit, a class can volunteer to be "eyes on the forest" through MSU's Sentinel Tree Monitoring program. Teachers need to incorporate regular tree monitoring into their classroom, as this is an on-going commitment.