Oct. 14 Pine Forest Ecology
Did you know that Millstone 4-H Camp is located in one of the most beautifully restored Longleaf Pine forests in the south eastern US? Did you also know that Longleaf Pine forests are home to many rare plant and animal species? In this session, students will explore this unique pine forest ecosystem along with the help of a wildlife expert at Millstone 4-H Camp. Students will explore how and why the Longleaf Pine declined in the 20th century and how restoring these important trees helps many different species. Learn more about animals of the Longleaf Pine Forest ecosystem and connections to Indigenous Cultures in North Carolina.
Required Materials: This program will use the youth game app Kahoot!
Optional Materials: Download and print the Pine Forest Ecology Discussion & Learning Guide for students to use as they follow along; Parents/Guardians/Teachers can use the Pine Forest Ecology Answer Key to check the student's work.
Tech Requirements: Hosted on Zoom; this session will use Kahoot!
Recording: Pine Forest Ecology Zoom Recording
Use this link to print a pdf of the vocabulary, learning concepts and standards alignment.
Key Vocabulary & Learning Concepts
Longleaf Pine Forest fire Fire suppression Germination
Ecosystem Seed Habitat Soil type
Plant identification Life cycle
This session aligns with the following NC teaching standards for grades 2 through 7
Second Grade
Science 2.L.1 Understand animal life cycles
Science 2.L.2 Remember that organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism
Language Arts L.2.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and context, choosing flexibility from an array of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials
Third Grade
Science 3.L.2 Understand how plants survive in their environments
Language Arts SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally
Language Arts L.3.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials
Language Arts L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships
Fourth Grade
Science 4.L.1 Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats
Science 4.E.2.3 Give examples of how the surface of the earth changes due to slow processes such as erosion and weathering, and rapid processes such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes
Language Arts RI.4.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears
Language Arts RI.4.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area
Language Arts RF.4.4 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words
Language Arts L.4.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials
Language Arts L.4.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions, emotions, or states of being and that are basic to a particular topic
Fifth Grade
Science 5.L.2 Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem
Language Arts RI.5.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area
Sixth Grade
Science 6.L.1 Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce
Science 6.L.2 Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of population to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment
Language Arts RI.6.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choice on meaning
Language Arts SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study
Language Arts L.6.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials
Language Arts L.6.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression
Seventh Grade
Science 7.L.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life
Language Arts L.7.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials
Language Arts L.7.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression