(Key Stage 2 programme outline)

This programme is designed for learning about the importance of trees and forests, and the role they can play in the global issues of climate change and sustainable development. Activities encourage discussion about a range of forest management practices and the impact these may have before the group plans a ‘forest for the future’.

Key concepts: sustainable development, climate change, citizenship and positive action, carbon dioxide cycle, photosynthesis, biodiversity.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of the programme students should be able to:

  • Understand that rising carbon dioxide levels are causing the warming of the world’s climate
  • Understand that planting and growing trees is one way of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
  • Explain the process of photosynthesis and how carbon is stored in wood
  • Identity a range of sustainable forest management practices, products and biodiversity indicators
  • Suggest ways people can help both locally and globally
Programme outline for forests for the future
Learning objective Activities
To introduce concept of climate change
To assess prior knowledge and questions from the group		 Introduction
What is climate change?
How could climate change affect the New Forest?
Discuss Forest habitats and role of trees in removing carbon from the atmosphere
To discover the variety and function of leaves in the process of carbon capture and storage		 Inside a leaf
An interactive role play where the group acts out the process of photosyntheses and how trees store carbon.
Leaf diversity challenge
Group is challenged to find different types of leaves, both deciduous and evergreen.
To discover how different parts of the tree work together and are involved in the process of carbon capture Build a tree
Group creates a giant working tree using themselves, with sounds and actions.
To discuss the global importance of sustainable forestry
To introduce biodiversity indicators
Be aware of positive action people can take		 Forests matter
The group explores for hidden woodland treasure and the items they find starts a discussion about sustainable forest management, benefits of wood products, FSC label and biodiversity.
To explain how responsible forestry can also help combat climate change Moving carbon
An activity that explores the carbon cycle, how its been affected by human activity and look at scenarios that can increase or decrease climate change.
To assess groups learning during the session and opportunity to share thoughts and ideas Forests for the future
A conclusion activity where groups plan their own forest for the future, drawing on the sessions learning and discoveries.

Permission has been given to use and adapt this Forestry Commission ‘Forests for the Future’ programme for teaching in the New Forest National Park.