Grade Level: 7-12th
Content area: Career Technical Education – Pathways: Agriculture and Natural Resources
Standard identifiers: CTE.ANR.E8.3
Objectives: Students will:
- Examine the coast live oak tree and its woodland community of plants and animals
- Discover how the oak survives wildfire and drought, and how it reproduces
Materials and Resources:
Assessment (informal):
- Students view and explore the presentation on coast live oaks in the virtual learning module and complete the Exploring Coast Live Oak worksheet.
Strategies for English Language Learners and Learners with Special Needs:
- Students work in groups to read through the presentation together.
- Students use a translator and keep a vocabulary log of new words.
- Students draw their answers.
- Provide the handout in Spanish, although the presentation is only available in English.
Instructional Sequence:
Introduction and explanation to students about the purpose of the lesson (5 minutes)
- Ask students to name some of the trees they know of in the area. Mention that oak trees are native trees that have been an important part of California’s history. They can be recognized by their massive trunk, twisted limbs, and evergreen leaf canopy. Tell students they will learn more by looking through an online exhibit to find some important information about the coast live oaks.
Monitoring for student learning/understanding:
- Ask students follow-up questions that aren’t on the worksheet to see if they are processing the information and reading beyond the assignment.
Teacher modeling (5 minutes)
- Show students how to access the presentation and how to navigate through it. Show students the Exploring Coast Live Oak Handout and what they will be looking for as they explore the exhibit.
Practice (independent, partner, or group) (20 minutes)
- Depending on resources and how you’d like the students to complete the activity, have students work independently, in pairs, or in small groups.
Closure (5 minutes)
Ask students to share something they learned, found fascinating, or have questions about.
Take reflection notes on how the lesson went for your future reference.
