Timber! - The Texas Lumber Industry Social Studies, Grades 4 and 7

This lesson highlights the work of lumberjacks and millworkers, as well as the benefits of the paper industry, the need for conscientious timber stewardship, and the importance of lumber to the Texas economy. Using videos showing different aspects of lumber production and outside research from their textbooks and reference websites, students will analyze and compare depictions of the lumber industry – both those showing the hazards of timber manufacturing and those showing the benefits of lumber production. Students will develop analytical and critical thinking and viewing skills, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of their subject. This lesson employs a project-based learning approach, which improves retention of new content and develops students’ personal connections to the past. Students will be asked to work cooperatively with their class, as well as independently research and create a final project. Several of the videos have worksheets to accompany them to facilitate note-taking and research, but students may find additional information in the videos useful for their Extended Learning project. An annotated list of resources for additional research is also provided.