“Jack Pine—Ugly but Interesting!” This 6:00-minute video explains how the jack pine of Michigan is a fire-dependent species and also an important habitat for the Kirtland’s warbler, a small songbird recently removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List and on the road to recovery. This video is one of a series of BeLeaf It or… Read more »
“Wildlife Habitat.” This 7:42-minute video describes how the habitat requirements for different animals are diverse and ever-changing, and how most Great Lakes States vertebrate species require or prefer at least one forest type for part of their lifecycle. It is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension,… Read more »
“The Carbon Cycle and the Forest!” This 7:20-minute video explains the carbon cycle’s connection to forests, and describes how managing trees and using wood products can help forests absorb more carbon dioxide. It is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
“Photosynthesis and Respiration in Trees.” This 5:41-minute video explains the two important chemical processes that occur in trees: photosynthesis and respiration. It is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
“How Does a Tree Grow? Hint: It’s Not What You Think.” This 7:06-minute video describes how a tree’s twigs, trunk, and branches grow longer and fatter, explains how to count tree rings on a tree cookie, and shows some different stories a tree cookie might reveal.
“Crowns, Trunks, and Roots!” This 5:36-minute video examines how the trunks, crowns, and roots of trees work together to support the tree. This video is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
“How to Identify Trees, Part 1 and Part 2.” Part 1 (9:08 minutes) introduces how to use bark, buds, and other clues to identify broadleaf trees in winter. Part 2 (6:54 minutes) introduces the leaf characteristics used to identify trees, such needles vs. broad-leafed, simple vs. compound, alternate vs. opposite branching, and so on, and… Read more »
“Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?” This 6:59-minute video explains the remarkable transition forests undergo from summer to winter, including changes in leaf color. It is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
World Oceans Day (June 8) is the perfect time to explore the water cycle. Take PLT’s Water Wonders activity a step further with these STEM-focused ideas. Students will learn more about the importance of water conservation, how we use and engineer water, and they’ll discover some water-focused careers.
The Country Day School in McLean, VA, is the first early childhood center in the country to be honored as a certified PLT GreenSchool! Students and teachers embraced outdoor learning, and completed all 5 PLT Early Childhood Investigations and a variety of action projects to make their school more green, a great accomplishment during the pandemic.