Benefits of Urban Trees

• This brief animated video presents the various benefits of planting trees in urban environments. 
• It shows that trees can reduce air temperature, filter out air pollutants, increase habitat for wildlife, remove carbon dioxide, reduce energy costs to heat and cool buildings, provide food and resources to people, increase property values, and increase physical and mental health.

Positives

• This video is very succinct and provides a quick resource to break up a lecture or introduce an activity. 
  

Additional Prerequisites

• The sound on the video can be muted, if desired, and you may want to periodically pause the video to ensure students have completed reading all the text.
• This video from the UN FAO is not narrated but includes animated images and text with background music.
  

Differentiation

• This video could be a hook for lessons about nature, green spaces, trees, the health benefits of trees and nature, or pollution. 
  
• Younger students will likely need to have you read the text to them or pause the video to allow them time to read each section.
• Social studies classes could use this video for lessons about the importance of urban trees for mental health, respiratory health, reducing heat-related illnesses, and general enjoyment.
• As an extension, have students read this article, play this game, use this interactive map, or watch this video to learn more about trees and how they benefit us and the planet.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.