Forests perform many functions. Above all, they protect and shape natural resources. By the process of photosynthesis, they absorb and transform carbon dioxide into oxygen in the atmosphere and thus reduce the greenhouse effect. Forests provide habitat for many species of plants and animals, protecting and maintaining diversity in nature. Other extremely important functions of forests are lowering the noise level, reducing the force of winds, absorbing dust and gases, regulating surface water runoff, preventing erosion. By all the listed functions, forests stabilize the climate and shape the landscape. They are also a popular place for recreation and tourism.

Forests also contribute to other significant benefits for people and nature:

• Globally, 1.6 billion people (almost 25% of the planet's population) rely on forests for their livelihoods. Many of these communities are among the poorest.
• The benefit of forests in the form of resources, goods and services such as clean water and fertile soils is estimated to be around $100 billion annually.
• Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.

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Organize a tree planting campaign in a favorable season for this purpose. Explain to the students that planting itself is a very important and positive activity, but it is by no means enough. It is necessary to take care after planting (regular watering, taking precautions so that the young saplings do not break, etc.) so that the planted trees can strengthen and develop. Report after a few weeks the number of successfully planted trees.

The role play aims to hold a meeting to plan a campaign among the population that aims at preventing future forest fires. Students can participate in the role of representatives of various interested parties - fire department, mayor, ecologist from the municipality, representatives of forestry administration, traffic police, media representatives, environmentalists, owners of private forests, citizens / parents, teachers, athletes, students from environmental clubs/ and others. Participants should discuss the threats of fire occurrence, the target groups of the campaign, the types of information materials, their content and distribution methods.

For the role of presenter a student can be chosen or it could be performed by the teacher. At the end of the game, organize a sharing of impressions session and report on the participants degree of satisfaction with the results achieved.

Brainstorm by asking students to share why forests are extremely valuable in nature and for humans? Write all the suggestions on a poster or on the study board without commenting on them (they form ecosystems, produce organic matter, are home of many organisms, form a microclimate, participate in numerous food chains, participate in the cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen, are regulators of water cycle, prevent soil erosion and flooding, an invaluable source of resources for humans, a place for recreation and tourism, a climate regulator etc.).

Discuss the suggestions made, complete them and make a summary about the extreme importance of forests in all aspects.

Do some research on woodlands in your area. Look for specialists from regional environmental institutions and local forestry.

Explore:

• What percentage of the territory of your area is covered by forests?
• What is their status and their ownership?
• What are the main types of forests and which tree species predominate in them?
• Are there protected areas aimed at preserving tree species?
• Are forests undergoing changes as a result of climate change?

Systematize the information and share it at school, publish announcements in school or community media. Organize an informational green wall dedicated to forests and life in them.

Organize the game in the school yard, city park or nearby forest and give instructions for its implementation. Within a certain time, each child must choose their dry stick - the prettiest, the shortest, the longest, the most branched, or that one that most looks like a plant or animal. The rule is not to damage the surrounding plants in any way. After the time is over, the participants stand or sit in a circle and everyone presents their stick in a fun way. You can declare the game as a competition according to certain metrics and criteria. Take pictures. Ask the children to share their impressions.

Step 1:

According to a UN report, in the last months of 2022 the population of the Earth is 8 billion people. On the other hand, expert estimates indicate that the number of trees in the world is about 400 billion. Calculate: How many trees fall on average for each inhabitant of the Earth (50 trees)?

Step 2:

According to experts, a tree adsorbs an average of about 25 kg of carbon dioxide per year. Calculate: How many kilograms of carbon dioxide do trees absorb annually for each inhabitant of the planet (1250 kg)?

Step 3:

According to experts' calculations, the internal combustion engine of each car releases into the atmosphere about 125 g of carbon dioxide per kilometer driven. Calculate: How many km can a person drive a car in 1 year to completely exhaust the ability of "his" trees to absorb carbon dioxide (10,000 km)?

Final Notes:

• The aim of the European institutions is to encourage car manufacturers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to around 60 g per kilometer.
• Many people travel many times greater distances by car each year, and a large proportion of them own older cars that generate more carbon emissions. Note that using public transport, car sharing, walking or using a bicycle to get around reduces the amount of CO2 generated by one person.
• The emissions released by land transport are a very small part of the amount that a person actually generates within the use of energy, preparation of food, production of all his belongings, treatment of waste, etc.
• Recall that on a global scale, not only forests, but also the World Ocean and soils are of great importance for assimilating carbon dioxide.

Additional task:

Complicate the calculations by determining the following parameters related to the daily car journey of:

• one student to and from school – 10 km each (180 school days per year);
• one worker to and from his workplace - 40 km per day (250 working days).

Celebrate Forest Week (first week of April) with a variety of forest-topic activities:

• Investigate whether there are opportunities to participate in afforestation and reforestation campaigns or other campaigns to help forests.
• Make a map of your area, marking the location and type of forests.
• Visit the local forestry office or arrange a meeting with experts.
• Collect leaves and fruits from local tree species and make a collection.
• Organize outdoor lessons.
• Announce a photo contest with the theme "My favorite tree" and make an exhibition of the best suggestions.
• Share the information at school in front of primary school students, write publications.