By examining the multiple uses of the forests, students engage in deeper level thinking to understand the roles that forests play in the larger world. Inclusion of geographic thinking allows students to build spatial tools and understanding to support critical thinking from a relational, patterns and geographic perspectives of physical (nature) and social issues. “Developing these spatial skills helps students understand the relationships among people, events and the context of their physical environment, which will assist them to make choices and act wisely when confronted with questions affecting the land and water resources” (Alberta Education, 2005, p. 9).

In real-world situations, experts use data gathering, data management and analysis to provide evidence on different perspectives. ‘May The Forest Be With You’ unit plan uses data gathering (field experience and research), data managing (graphs creation, interpretation and forest journals) and analysis through reporting and discourse. Students manage their collected information digitally and in hard copy and are provided many ways to practice using data.

Through the use of interdisciplinary design for the unit plan, students are given the opportunity to express their creativity and innovation in a variety of ways. Journal reflections, personal expression through art and creative writing, and the purposeful use of innovative technology systems, fosters deep interconnection to the learning outcomes. The ability to think creativity and innovatively leads to new ways of thinking.

In every lesson, students are expected to communicate their understanding and are given multiple means and modes of showing their learning. There are varied opportunities to exchange ideas throughout and students are expected to be flexible and adaptable in communication to different audiences.

This plan encourages students to consider the importance of a forest ecosystem on a global scale, providing perspectives that help students become stewards of our environment for generations to come. We believe creating connections to forests and proximity of our students living close to protected Provincial Parks encourages citizenship in their communities.

Critical thinking, experience, and access to subject matter experts all influence student beliefs, ideas and values. It is hoped that students will consider the interconnectedness and dependence of life as a whole, their role in it, and grow personally as a result.