Forestry (America at Work Series)
When his favorite climbing tree dies, Cameron watches his Uncle Erik, a forester, cut it down. Cameron is curious and asks his Uncle questions about forestry. Uncle Erik tells Cameron all about the forest industry, from making logs and paper to ways that are used to protect the environment. This is a book loaded with information.
Interested in using this resource in your classroom? Check out the posters that go along with this book: Natural Resources, Capital Resources, Productivity.
Author: Jane Drake and Ann Love
Illustrator: Pat Cupples
Published: 1996
Grade Level: 2 to 5
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Comprehension Questions
Why are forests considered a natural resource?
They are gifts of nature.
What are other natural resources needed to grow trees?
Water, minerals, sunshine, air.
How do trees help protect another valuable natural resource soil?
Land, where most or all of the trees have been cut, are subject to wind and water erosion.
How are most small trees (seedlings) planted?
By hand.
What is a capital resource used to help plant the seedlings?
A dibble.
Foresters harvest trees like a crop. What are the advantages and disadvantages of large scale clearcutting?
Advantages: cheapest and most efficient method, which helps keep prices lower for consumers; in many situations, also results in the best regeneration of a new forest, which improves future economic return; improves habitat for some wildlife species. Disadvantages: the destruction of habitat for some wildlife species; increased potential for soil erosion; some waste of small trees.
(Note: the answers to this question are not all gleaned from the story, but were provided by an education specialist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
What are some of the capital resources foresters use to log trees?
Feller-buncher, chainsaw, skidder, grapple, helicopters, Ecologgers, boom boat, trucks.
Is paper a natural resource?
No, it is a product that is produced from trees.
All production, including forestry, affect the environment. What are some of the ways mentioned in the book that is used to keep the environment from being greatly harmed by forestry?
Replanting trees after cutting; keeping certain trees for wildlife; new logging methods, such as helicopter lifting and Ecologgers; using more recycling water and using fewer chemicals in paper making; and designating some areas as wilderness areas.
Bonus Question!
What is the productivity of a worker who plants seedlings by hand on a prepared site?
100 seedlings per hour. See page 10.