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Classroom Resources→Student activities→Grade 6

Grade 6
Trees & Forests

Grade 6 - Trees & Forests - Student Activities

Learn about the forest ecosystem, forest uses, and new ways in forest management.

Here are the links to the activities and materials you’ll need to learn about the forest ecosystem, forest uses, and evolving practices in forest management.

Activity 1.

VIDEO
Our Forest

Watch the video

Activity 2.

TIMELINE
‍Historical and Modern Patterns of Use in the Forest

View Activity

Activity 3.

INTERACTIVE MAP
Forest Issues and Management

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Activity 1. Our Forest

Why are trees and forests valued in so many different ways? How do humans threaten forests? Even more importantly, how can we help protect forests?

In this activity you will learn why trees and forests are valued and explore the various human actions that enhance or threaten the existence of forests. Download the handout below (alternatively your teacher will provide you with the handout in class) and watch the It’s Our Forest video 3 part series.

Our Forest Handout (PDF)

Activity 2. Historical and Modern Patterns of Use in the Forest

Pre-European Settlement

Humans arrive in Alberta 10,000 years ago. They use wood for warmth, cooking, and shelter.
Indigenous Peoples are the original forest managers. They prevent the spread of wildfires by burning small sections of forest ahead of a blaze, depriving it of fuel.
Fire is set intentionally to create habitats for desired species (such as moose and bison), to encourage growth of edible plants, and to clear travel routes.

‍

1700s

Europeans arrive in Alberta mid-century. Trees are cleared to make way for habitable land. Conservation is not yet a priority.
The fur trade industry realizes the importance of forest management in protecting its commercial interests. Strategies are developed to increase access to animal pelts. Prescribed burns help maintain young forest habitats preferred by beavers and muskrats, while fire suppression helps maintain mature habitats preferred by squirrels and martens.
Settlers harvest wood to heat homes and institutions.

1800s

Manual sawmills produce 50-150 boards/day.
Most sawmills are semi-permanent and located along rivers to transport logs by water. They’re usually built near large settlements and railway lines.
Crown Timber Act (1849): The Crown grants cutting rights on its lands to the highest bidders.
Alberta’s first powered sawmill is constructed in Lac La Biche (1871), producing 500 to 1,000 boards/day.

1900 - 1940s

Arrival of the first steam-powered log hauler (1901).
Alberta’s first wildfire lookout cabin is constructed. Rangers watch for smoke and fire, and monitor weather conditions (1921).
Alberta assumes ownership and responsibility of forests from the federal government (1930).
Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) is founded (1942). It establishes guidelines and standards around lumber quality.
A new provincial act requires companies to limit harvest to the amount of new growth occurring in the area and to replant in harvested areas (1949).

1950s - 1980s

The start of large-scale forestry in Alberta.
Permanent mill sites take root in communities where forestry will become a key industry.
Alberta’s first Forest Management Plan is created in 1961 – based on sustained yield practices and information gathered from forest inventory.
Modern logging trucks increase hauling capacity.

1990s - PRESENT

Modern sawmills become capable of producing 24,000+ boards in just 8 hours.
Environmental certification programs are introduced to establish consistant sustainability standards for forestry companies and to educate the public on the sustainability of the forest sector.
Starting in 1998, detailed Forest Management Plans are required for every company harvesting trees on public land.
The FireSmart program is introduced in 2002 to promote awareness and education aimed at reducing risk of loss of life and property from fire in the wildland/urban interface.
The Alberta Land Stewardship Act (2009) requires consideration of all environmental factors, including water, wildlife, and air when managing Alberta’s forests.
The Land-use Framework (LUF) sets out a new approach to managing our province's land and natural resources to achieve Alberta’s long-term economic, environmental and social goals. The LUF establishes seven new land-use regions and calls for the development of a regional plan for each.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act enables the protection of the forests and prairies of Alberta from wildfire. It establishes the Fire Season and enables cost recovery and fire control orders. The Act also identifies firefighting responsibilities and describes the authority of forest officers and fire guardians. It provides conditions for conducting industrial operations and other human activities and identifies offences and penalties.
Bioenergy initiatives where forestry companies use forestry leftovers and waste to generate energy to power mills and contribute to the power grid.

Historical and Modern Patterns of Use in the Forest (PDF)

FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE FOREST

Use this handy map to explore the forest. It’s not just a bunch of trees! Meet the many users and inhabitants. Learn how forests help the environment and the economy. How are forests and habitats threatened? How are they protected? Get the answers to these important questions, and a whole lot more.

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Activity 3. Forest Issues and Management

Forests meet a variety of needs and serve a number of purposes. What are these needs and purposes? How can we strike a fair balance that takes all needs and uses into consideration?

Forest Issues and Management Handout (PDF)

FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE FOREST

Drag to explore • Click markers to learn more

In this activity you will explore the forest with our interactive map. Download the handouts below (alternatively your teacher will provide you with the handouts in class).