Unit 3 | Lesson 3

Investigation: Boreal Forest Research

Boreal Forest Research Continue research on the different ecosystems of the world as you learn about the boreal forest. Use the book to complete the Boreal Forest Research activity sheet. Follow the instructions in your student guide to complete this activity.		Materials
Objectives Describe two adaptations of plants that live in the boreal forest (for example, conifer needles are covered with a waxy coating that keeps them from drying out). Identify and describe key characteristics of the boreal forest (for example, long, cold, snowy winters and short, warm summers).    Unit 3 | Lesson 3 Lesson Assessment:  Boreal Forests Question Navigator 1.   Describe the climate of the boreal forest. Answer Key long, cold, snowy winters and short, warm summers Did the student answer correctly?   Yes     No 2.   True or False: Boreal forest ecosystems are located in the temperate climate zone. Did the student answer correctly?   Yes     No 3.   Name two plants you might find in the boreal forest. Answer Key Answers may include: grasses wildflowers lichens (acceptable answer, though not true plants) mosses ferns small shrubs trees: fir, white spruce, pine, aspen, willow, birch Did the student answer correctly?   Yes     No 4.   Name two animals you might find in the boreal forest. Answer Key Answers may include: squirrel chipmunk spruce grouse red-backed vole deer mouse birds: crossbill, grey jay, nutcracker, nuthatch, warbler, woodpecker, great gray owl, boreal chickadee fox snowshoe hare lynx beaver moose black bear elk wolf wolverine caribou Did the student answer correctly?   Yes     No 5.   Name two adaptations that animals need in order to survive in the boreal forest. Answer Key Answers may include: Some animals sleep through the winter in underground burrows or dens (hibernation). The shape of a crossbill’s beak helps the birds pry cone scales apart to get the seeds. The strong beaks of gray jays and nutcrackers help the birds tear cones apart to get the seeds. Snowshoe hares’ fur changes color (gray-brown in summer, white in winter), so it is difficult to see the hares. Beavers have webbed hind feet and a large, flat tail, making the animals good swimmers. Wolverines have large feet and long claws, making the animals good climbers. Many birds leave the forest at the end of summer and fly south for the winter to avoid the cold. Boreal chickadees tuck seeds into moss and lichens growing on trees to store them for winter. Wolves, foxes, and caribou have a thick coat of fur or hair to keep the animals warm. Birds have fluffy feathers to keep warm. Squirrels and nutcrackers hoard seeds all summer to eat during the winter. Woodchucks hibernate through the winter until spring. Did the student answer correctly?   Yes     No 6.   Name two adaptations that plants need in order to survive in the boreal forest. Answer Key Answers may include: Conifer needles and bark ooze sticky resin that smells like turpentine. The resin protects the trees from plant eaters because most animals won’t even nibble on the needles or bark. Many conifer seeds have papery wings that allow the seeds to travel far when the wind blows. Conifer needles are covered with a waxy coating that keeps them from drying out. The branches of evergreens slant downward so heavy snow slides off.   Read: A Walk in the Deciduous Forest Investigation: Deciduous Forest Research   Lesson Assessment: Temperate Deciduous Forests Beyond The Lesson: Leaf Observations Unit 3 | Lesson 4 Read: A Walk in the Deciduous Forest Read A Walk in the Deciduous Forest Learn about the plants and animals of the temperate deciduous (dih-SIH-juh-wuhs) forest as you read A Walk in the Deciduous  Forest. Click the Explore button to begin exploring. Print the Reading Guide when you are ready to read. Materials Objectives Identify and describe the characteristics of the temperate deciduous forest (for example, a mild and moist climate with four distinct seasons). Describe two adaptations of plants that live in the temperate deciduous forest (for example, deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn).      Unit 3 | Lesson 4 Investigation: Deciduous Forest Research Deciduous Forest Research Continue research on the different ecosystems of the world as you learn about the deciduous forest. Use the book to complete the Deciduous Forest Research activity sheet. Follow the instructions in your student guide to complete this activity. Materials Objectives Identify and describe the characteristics of the temperate deciduous forest (for example, a mild and moist climate with four distinct seasons). Describe two adaptations of plants that live in the temperate deciduous forest (for example, deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn).    Deciduous Forest Research Deciduous Forest Research Answer Key A Walk in the Deciduous Forest by Rebecca L. Johnson    Unit 3 | Lesson 4 Beyond The Lesson: Leaf Observations Leaf Observations Learn to identify types of leaves. Make a record of some leaf types by making rubbings with paper and crayons. Label the types of leaves, noting their characteristics, then use the leaves to identify trees. Follow the instructions in your student guide to complete this optional activity. Materials Objectives Describe two adaptations of plants that live in the temperate deciduous forest (for example, deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn). Identify two plants found in the temperate deciduous forest (for example, ferns, dogwood, and oak trees).   Optional book - tree or leaf guide paper, 8 1/2 x 11" crayons 8 - assorted magnifying glass tree sample, coniferous/deciduous