Cypress Trees: A Wetlands Tree
Title: Cypress Trees: A Wetlands Tree
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 7- 9
Overview:
Students will gain an understanding of the characteristics of the Cypress tree and what makes this species unique. The students will visit Black Bayou Lake refuge to view the many trees that can be found in this wetlands environment.
Approximate Duration: 3 - 50 minutes
Content Standards:
Life Science
The students will become aware of the characteristics and life cycles of organisms and understand their relationships to each other and to their environment.
Science and the Environment
In learning environmental science, students will develop an appreciation of the natural environment, learn the importance of environmental quality, and acquire a sense of stewardship. As consumers and citizens, they will be able to recognize how our personal, professional, and political actions affect the natural world.
Benchmarks:
LS-M-A2
comparing and contrasting the basic structures and functions of different plant and animal cells; (1,2,3,4)
LS-M-A3
observing and analyzing the growth and development of selected organisms, including a seed plant, an insect with complete metamorphosis, and an amphibian; (1,2,3,4)
LS-H-D4
exploring how humans have impacted ecosystems and the need for societies to plan for the future. (1,2,4,5)
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Grade 7
6. Compare the life cycles of a variety of organisms, including non-flowering and flowering plants, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and mammals (LS-M-A3)
Grade 9-12
27. Analyze positive and negative effects of human actions on ecosystems (LS-H-D4) (SE-H-A7)
Interdisciplinary Connections:
English/Language Arts: Standard 1
Students read, comprehend, and respond to a range of materials, using a variety of strategies for different purposes.
English/Language Arts: Standard 3
Students communicate using standard English grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and handwriting.
English/Language Arts: Standard 5
Students locate, select, and synthesize information from a variety of texts, media, references, and technological sources to acquire and communicate knowledge.
Educational Technology Standards:
Compose and edit a multi-page document with appropriate formatting using word-processing skills. (e.g., menu, tool bars, dialog boxes, spell check, thesaurus, page layout, headers and footers, word count, margins, tabs, spacing, columns, page orientation)
Use information, media, and technology in a responsible manner which includes following the school's acceptable use policy, adhering to copyright laws, respecting the rights of others, and employing proper etiquette in all forms of communication.
Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools, web tools) to gather information for problem solving, communication, collaborative writing and publishing to create products for various audiences.
Objectives:
TLW identify the specific characteristics of the Cypress tree.
TLW use technology to research and gather information about the Cypress tree.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
Trackstar #257874
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer
Internet Connection
Software:
Inspiration
Websites:
Nature Hills
http://www.naturehills.com/new/product/productdetails.aspx?proname=Bald+Cypress&ovmkt=6TL4TEQ1FFTRUFUS8978UATG7O
Cypress Trees
http://www.usi.edu/science/biology/TwinSwamps/cypress_trees.htm
Cypress: Florida's Majestic and Beneficial Wetlands Tree
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/cir1186.htm
Bald Cypress
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/taxodium_distichum.html
Trackstar-Cypress Trees: A Wetlands Tree
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=257874NPR - Battle Brew's Over Louisiana's Cypress Tree
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4666540
Background Information:
Students have completed a unit on plants that are native to Louisiana. During this unit of study students have also discussed the impact that humans have on an ecosystem. A field trip is planned to Black Bayou Lake NWR to observe various species.
Lesson Procedures:
Day One
1. Orally review what has been discussed in previous classes regarding various species of Louisiana trees.
2. Mention that of all the types of trees discussed and viewed, one of the most uncommon is the Cypress tree.3. Take the class on a field trip to Black Bayou Lake NWR to observe plants in the refuge, specifically the Cypress tree. Students will use digital cameras to take pictures of the Cypress tree in preparation for developing a flyer containing information about it.
Day Two
1. Encourage discussion as to how and why the Cypress tree might be so uncommon. Use Inspiration software to list ideas as students brainstorm.
2. Since each student has access to a computer, let each one work independently to complete a TrackStar activity. Each student will be given a TrackStar Worksheet and Rubric so he/she will know what is expected.
3. Lead students to the TrackStar website, TrackStar-Cypress Trees: A Wetlands Tree
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=257874. (Help students who have problems getting to the site.)
4. Explain the directions and let students complete the TrackStar questions using their TrackStar Worksheet.
5. In closing this lesson, ask students what they found out about the Cypress species. Open the Inspiration chart used at the beginning of the lesson, and add new things that students discovered about the Cypress tree.
Day Three
1. Tell students that they are to think about both the positive and negative effects that humans have on the ecosystem. Using Inspiration, brainstorm with the students and create a list of the positive and negative effects that humans have on the ecosystem.2. Show students various websites that discuss the possibility of cutting the 100+ year old cypress forests of Louisiana. (The teacher may need to print out copies of the information contained at these websites in case it becomes unavailable.) One currently available is:
NPR - Battle Brew's Over Louisiana's Cypress Tree
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4666540
3. Allow the students to discuss this topic.4. Students will use MS Publisher to develop a flyer containing information and pictures about the cypress tree. They will include a section detailing reasons against allowing the logging industry to cut the Cypress Tree. Quick Tips for MS Publisher are available at: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX010857941033.aspx
Assessment Procedures:
1.Orally question students to elicit responses at both the beginning and the end of class.
2.As students work independently, the teacher will move around and question students individually as they work through TrackStar.
3. Cypress Tree Worksheet4. Cypress Tree Flyer developed in Publisher
4. Cypress Tree Rubric
Accommodations/Modifications:
Peer tutoring
Large print on computer screen
Shorten assignment
One-on-one help from teacher
Minimize distractions
Preferential seating
----- written by Walter Bonner
Reproducible Materials:
Cypress Tree Rubric
Cypress Tree Trackstar Worksheet
Explorations and Extensions:
Students could begin to notice more carefully how humans impact the ecosystem. They could strive to become a better steward of the ecosystem.
Lesson Development Resources:
GLE - Related Materialshttp://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/saa/1914.html
Contact Information:
Walter Bonner
wbonner@mpsb.us
Morehouse Magnet
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