"Reforest Fun: Native Green Dream Team!"

All grades

Project
4 weeks

"Reforest Fun: Native Green Dream Team!"

Holly Weigle

Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on reforestation project to restore native plant species on Hawaii Island, fostering environmental stewardship and ecological awareness. Through collaboration with community partners, students will critically assess and revise their reforestation plans, ensuring alignment with local ecological needs. By constructing a scale model, students will visualize and communicate the impact of their efforts, deepening their understanding of native ecosystems and sustainable practices. This project will cultivate research skills as students investigate plant species compatibility and replanting costs, promoting a deeper connection to their local environment and community.

Learning goals

Students will develop research skills by investigating native plant species, their historical presence, and compatibility within chosen reforestation areas. They will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving as they collaborate with community partners to refine their reforestation plans based on expert feedback. By constructing a scale model, students will apply their understanding of ecological principles and spatial awareness to visualize and communicate the impact of their reforestation efforts. Through this project, students will also enhance their ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with peers and community stakeholders.

Products

Students will create a detailed scale model of their chosen reforestation area, showcasing the transformation from its current state to a reforested landscape with native plants. This model will incorporate research findings on native species, their historical prevalence, and their compatibility with each other in the selected region. As part of the process, students will engage with community partners to refine their plans, ensuring the model reflects practical and ecologically sound strategies. The final product will be presented to the community partners, highlighting both the research and the projected ecological benefits of their reforestation efforts.

Launch

Begin the project with a field trip to one of the community partner sites, such as the Waikoloa Dry Land Forest, where students can observe native plants in their natural habitat and hear from experts about the importance of reforestation. During the visit, students will collect soil samples and take notes on the existing plant life, which will inform their decisions later in the project. This immersive experience will provide a tangible connection to the project and inspire students to consider the ecological impact of their reforestation efforts.

Exhibition

Students will host a community exhibition day where they present their scale models of the reforested areas, highlighting the transformation from current to future landscapes. They will engage with community partners such as Parker Ranch and Kohala Center, sharing their research findings on native plant species and the ecological benefits of reforestation. Attendees, including local residents and environmental experts, will provide feedback and discuss potential real-world applications of the students' plans. This event will also feature interactive stations where students demonstrate how different plant species thrive together, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Field Trip Kickoff - Visit the Waikoloa Dry Land Forest to observe native plants and collect soil samples, guided by local experts (45 min)	Soil Sample Analysis - Examine collected soil samples to understand the soil composition and its suitability for native plants (20 min) Observation Debrief - Discuss observations from the field trip and brainstorm initial ideas for reforestation areas (25 min)	Research Native Species - Conduct research on native plant species historically present in Hawaii Island regions (25 min) Plant Compatibility Study - Investigate which native plants grow well together in selected areas (20 min)	Reforestation Area Selection - Choose an area for reforestation based on soil sample analysis and research findings (20 min) Initial Plan Draft - Draft an initial reforestation plan including selected plants and area (25 min)	Community Partner Consultation - Share initial plans with community partners for feedback and suggested revisions (25 min) Plan Refinement - Revise reforestation plans based on expert feedback and begin preparing for model creation (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Compiled list of native plant species suitable for reforestation 2. Draft plan for plant compatibility and initial cost analysis 3. Revised reforestation plan based on community partner feedback
Preparation	1. Arrange transportation and permissions for the field trip 2. Gather research materials (books, articles, internet access) on native plants 3. Prepare compatibility study charts and worksheets 4. Provide budget templates for cost analysis 5. Coordinate with community partners for critique session

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Revised Plan Presentation - Present the refined reforestation plans to peers for feedback and additional refinement (20 min) Scale Model Blueprint - Begin drafting a blueprint for the scale model based on refined reforestation plans (25 min)	Model Construction Initiation - Start building the foundational elements of the scale model, focusing on terrain features (25 min) Material Assessment - Identify and gather materials needed for the scale model construction (20 min)	Native Plant Model Creation - Create representations of native plants within the scale model using researched data (20 min) Compatibility Visualization - Arrange plant models according to compatibility studies to represent ecological balance (25 min)	Model Detailing - Add details to the scale model, such as labels for plant species and areas within the reforested site (20 min) Future Landscape Projection - Incorporate elements that illustrate projected changes in the landscape after reforestation (25 min)	Peer Critique Session - Conduct a peer review of the scale model to gather constructive feedback and suggestions (25 min) Model Refinement - Refine the scale model based on peer feedback, ensuring accuracy and clarity in presentation (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A refined draft of the reforestation plan, including a list of selected native plants and their compatibility. 2. Initial sketches of the scale model layout, based on research and community partner feedback.
Preparation	1. Gather resources on native Hawaiian plants, including books, articles, and online databases. 2. Set up digital tools for virtual meetings with community partners, ensuring access for all students. 3. Prepare materials for initial scale model sketches, such as graph paper, pencils, and rulers. 4. Coordinate schedules with community partners for feedback sessions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Partner Follow-up - Engage with community partners to receive feedback on scale model progress and refine plans (20 min) Model Adjustment - Implement suggested revisions from community partners into the scale model to enhance accuracy and ecological representation (25 min)	Scale Model Finalization - Complete finishing touches on the scale model, ensuring all elements are accurately represented (20 min) Model Presentation Preparation - Develop a presentation strategy for showcasing the scale model to community partners, focusing on clear communication of research findings and projected ecological benefits (25 min)	Mock Presentation - Conduct a mock presentation of the scale model to peers for feedback on delivery and content (20 min) Feedback Integration - Integrate peer feedback into the presentation to improve clarity and impact (25 min)	Rehearsal for Exhibition - Practice delivering the presentation with emphasis on engaging storytelling and effective communication of the reforestation project (25 min) Exhibition Setup Planning - Plan the logistics of the community exhibition day, including layout and interactive stations (20 min)	Exhibition Day Execution - Host the community exhibition day where students present their scale models and engage with partners and attendees (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Updated and refined scale model of the reforestation area, incorporating feedback from community partners and peers.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with community partners to schedule critique sessions and ensure technology is set up for virtual meetings if necessary. 2. Prepare materials for students to update their scale models, such as additional model-building supplies, reference materials on native plants, and access to digital tools for virtual presentations. 3. Create a feedback form or checklist to guide students during peer review sessions, focusing on ecological soundness and presentation clarity. 4. Provide access to computers or tablets for research and digital documentation of their revisions and updates.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Model Inspection - Conduct a thorough inspection of the scale model to ensure all elements are correctly placed and detailed (20 min) Preparation for Community Feedback - Draft questions and talking points to engage with community partners during the exhibition (25 min)	Exhibition Setup - Arrange the exhibition space for optimal flow and engagement with community partners and attendees (20 min) Presentation Practice - Rehearse presentation delivery with focus on clear articulation of research findings and ecological impact (25 min)	Community Partner Critique - Meet with community partners to present the final scale model and gather last-minute feedback (20 min) Model and Presentation Refinement - Integrate community partner feedback into the model and presentation for enhanced accuracy (25 min)	Final Presentation Rehearsal - Conduct a final rehearsal of the presentation with peers, focusing on smooth transitions and engaging storytelling (25 min) Interactive Station Setup - Prepare interactive stations that demonstrate plant compatibility and the ecological benefits of reforestation (20 min)	Exhibition Day Execution - Host the community exhibition, presenting the scale model and interacting with partners and attendees, showcasing the project's impact (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized scale model of the reforested area, incorporating peer and expert feedback. 2. Presentation materials and talking points for the exhibition day.
Preparation	1. Arrange for community partners to visit and provide feedback on Tuesday. 2. Gather materials for final touches on scale models, such as paint, foliage replicas, and labels. 3. Prepare the exhibition space, ensuring there are tables for displaying models and seating for guests. 4. Develop a checklist for students to ensure their presentations are complete and clear. 5. Coordinate with community partners to confirm attendance and participation in the exhibition day.