Dozens of official definitions of the term forest are in use throughout the world. In this activity, students analyze various definitions of this term and then consider different cultural perspectives that affect people’s perceptions of forests.
Students create and conduct a survey to help them determine how they and others view themselves as linked to forests around the world.
Students use a carbon footprint calculator to analyze their personal effect on carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere, calculate the amount of carbon stored in a single tree, and explore how carbon sequestration can affect CO2 levels.
Students research forest ownership in the United States, interview forest landowners about changes they have experienced, and analyze scenarios to learn about the complexities of intergenerational forestland transfer.
