Trees Are the Center of a Healthy Ecosystem: Supporting Wildlife, Water, Food, and People

This resource provides a standards-aligned middle school science lesson that explores the critical role trees play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Students investigate how trees support biodiversity, improve water quality, store carbon, produce oxygen, and provide food and habitat for living organisms. The resource includes: • A complete lesson plan aligned with NGSS and Florida Science Standards • An instructional infographic illustrating ecosystem services provided by trees • A student worksheet designed to reinforce learning through data analysis, critical thinking, and application activities Together, these materials encourage inquiry-based learning, environmental stewardship, and a deeper understanding of the interconnected relationships within ecosystems.