Academy Curricular Exchange
Columbia Education Center
Science

TITLE:  The Importance of Trees in the Rural Area:
             Planting a Snowfence

AUTHOR:  Wilma Jean Lunt, Parkview Elem., Lamar, CO

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  5©12, science

OVERVIEW:  Trees can play an important role in rural areas.
As a living snowfence, trees can protect roads and highways
as well as provide habitat cover for wildlife and protection
for livestock.  This activity gives students hands©on
experience in planting trees as well as being involved in
area projects.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate the
importance of trees in rural areas through the planting of a
living snowfence.

OBJECTIVES:   Students will be able to:
  1.  Explain the importance of a living snowfence in a
      rural setting.
  2.  Sequence the steps in planting trees for a living
      snowfence.
  3.  Exhibit the ability to work in a group.
  4.  Demonstrate the proper way to plant a living
      snowfence.

RESOURCE/MATERIALS:  "The Living Tree" brochure from
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, "Project
Learning Tree Activity Guide", county extension agent or
forest service personnel,  slides from county extension
agent, materials for planting trees

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
  1.  Have the students brainstorm ways trees can be useful
      in rural areas.
  2.  Invite an extension agent or person from the forest
      service to talk about the importance of trees in rural
      areas.
  3.  Use slides to illustrate the use of trees as a living
      snowfence.
  4.  Use math activities to figure how many trees it will
      take for the project.  Figure how far from the highway
      the trees will need to be planted to keep the snow off
      the road.  Predict the percentage of trees that will
      survive.
  5.  Take a class field trip to the area that the living
      snowfence is to be planted.  Using the team approach
      actually plant the trees.  (We have planted two
      snowfences along a highway for ranchers and have also
      planted trees for the new county landfill.)
  6.  After returning to the classroom, use writing
      activities to highlight the experience.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  This activity has sparked interest
in the students as to how trees can be of importance to our
school playground.  It has been an excellent way to work
with area ranchers and county officials.  One student
developed an interest in what it takes to become a "tree
city USA.

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