Activities for Middle School

I spent the last couple of days at an infusing technology training that put gave me some ideas for implementing activities for the Forest and Rail Project. Nothing that is cutting edge technology by any means, but sound 21st century skills students implement for success in the future. These small group activities include:

• Students collect data on trees immediately around the school grounds. They will identify the trees using any means available and place into a spreadsheet that is shared for each class. Students will establish percentages for each type of tree in the area using data tools in Excel or Google Spreadsheet. The data will be compiled into one spreadsheet for the school.
• Using a method of establishing tree height, students establish which trees meet a minimum requirement and calculate the amount of board feet that could be harvested from the area. Using research information on timber prices, establish the revenue for the "forest" around the school.
• Research methods for replanting the trees that will be harvested and determine by produce a timeline for tree growth to mature level. Look at options for replanting different trees that may grow faster/slower that could increase revenue during future harvest.
• Determine the slope from the highest point of our harvest area to the lowest on the Ohio River. Would a Shay locomotive be needed for hauling timber to the river? Use Google Earth to examine topography and construct a railway to the sawmill location that will be determined later. The historic railroad tracks will also be examined.
• Each group will maintain a blog that contain artifacts and reflections on this project. This may become an individual blog.