Activity summary
We provide instruction and recording sheets for each activity, to encourage the students to work as independently as possible, (staff will always be present) Most of the activities are easily adapted to suit primary or high school students; the more complex ones can be worked through as a whole group if required.
The importance of rotting wood
This investigates the important role of trees once they have fallen and become decaying logs. Students get the opportunity to look at and classify different types of rotting logs and observe some of the invertebrates found in them. This leads to discussion on the importance of the role of those invertebrates play within the forest ecosystem and how best to maintain that biodiversity.
Measuring trees
Students use clinometers and diameter tapes to measure the height and width of a large tree and use this information to calculate the volume of wood it contains, and understand how this information is relevant to foresters They also get the opportunity to measure out the diameter of the Big Tree (in the Southern Forest near Geeveston), consider the importance of Giant Trees and how they are protected.
The world of mini-beasts
This gives students the chance to set pitfall traps in the Dome area, before returning to the Hall to look at some previously collected samples. The role of these invertebrates in recycling and as indicators of biological diversity is considered, which can then lead to development of sustainable forestry practices to maintain their population.
Paper detective
Students are able to test the strength of various paper samples from the Norkse paper mill in New Norfolk, by establishing the weight required to cause them to tear. This leads to exploration of the need for different paper types for different roles, and the modifications made in the paper making process to achieve the required standard.
Mapping
A brief powerpoint display initially guides students through the map making process, during which they have the opportunity to view stereoscopic images using a stereoscope. The process of converting this from photo to map is shown, with the final map being used as the basis for interpretation questions, which are fairly complex. There is also a less challenging activity for younger students which focussed on the interpretation of contours.
Planning for today and tomorrow
This activity looks at the he sequence of steps that must be followed in the forest planning process and the factors that influence the potential area of production forest. Students are given the parameters to establish special reserve areas within the forest, following the regulations determined by the forest Practice Authority.
The hidden forest
This is an introduction to the small and overlooked organisms in the forest understorey - lichens, bryophytes and fungi. Samples from each group are observed and students have a chance to classify them appropriately. Some brief questions aim to develop an understanding of these organisms.
Wood science
Students are able to assess samples of wood to consider if they are fit for a range of purposes. Issues of strength, quality and the final use of wood types are considered in light of developing suitable plantation species