Math in the Forest: an applied STEM unit with outdoor activities!

Description

Why Choose Wild Earth Lab?

Drawing on my environmental science background, I create accurate, engaging resources that make teaching easier. Original, thoughtfully designed visuals and hands-on activities help bring the real experience of being a scientist into your classroom.

Age Range

This unit is designed to be adaptable for a range of ages, with activities and materials that can be adjusted to meet different learners’ needs. It is suitable for learners from mid-elementary school through early high school and works well with mixed-age groups.

What’s Included?

(27 PDF pages total)

• PART 1: INTRO TO FORESTRY
  • • “About Forestry” handout + brainstorm activity
    • Information cards for key tree terminology, tools, and measurements
    • Forestry tools decorations (cutouts)
• PART 2: CIRCUMFERENCE, DIAMETER, RADIUS, AND AREA
  • • Introductory reading & activity directions
    • Equations handout
    • Practice problems worksheet
    • Activity worksheets for tree circumference measurements & diameter/radius/cross-sectional area calculations
    • Stump activity: calculate pi!
• PART 3: TREE HEIGHT
  • • Tree height reading (Why measure tree height? How do foresters measure tree height?)
    • Directions for building an inclinometer
    • Directions for using an inclinometer
    • Simple activity guide: use angles to determine which tree is the tallest
    • Advanced activity guide: use trigonometry to calculate tree height
    • Worksheets for activities
• PART 4: UNIT CONVERSIONS
  • • Unit conversions reading
    • Unit conversions worksheet
• Teacher materials: Directions + answer keys
• Access to additional online materials: background information & suggested ways to expand on this topic.

Bundle & Save

This unit is also included in my Forest Collection!

Good to Know

• Single-classroom use: Materials are for personal and single-classroom use only and may not be shared or distributed. Contact me about multiple licenses for schools or organizations.
• Digital product: This is an instant PDF download, designed for printing on standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper. Due to the nature of digital products, purchases are non-refundable.
• Adult supervision: Activities should be completed with appropriate adult supervision.
• Terms & Conditions: See the full terms & conditions.