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What Do We Know About Trees?

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to:

  • Discuss the basic needs of trees.

  • Discuss some of the benefits of trees to humans and other living things.

Time: 30 minutes

 Materials:

  • Chart paper and markers

Procedure:

Prepare a chart with three columns. Label the columns: Tree Facts, Questions About Trees, and Tree Facts We’ve Learned. Ask students what they already know about trees and what they would like to learn about trees. Record the information on the chart.

Be sure the following topics are discussed:

  • What do trees need to survive? (sun, soil, water, air)

  • How are trees useful to people? (food, wood, air, shade)

  • How are trees useful to other living things? (shelter, food, air)

Keep the chart posted throughout the unit and add questions and learned information in the appropriate columns as you progress through the activities. Also encourage students to record their own questions and discoveries to share with the class as they arise.

Going deeper:

  • Set up a class wiki for students to add to their collective knowledge of trees as you progress through the unit.

  • Learn a tree song. The Banana Slug String Band has several great songs about plants and trees on their Singing in our Garden CD. http://www.bananaslugstringband.com/

  • Explore one or more of the books listed below to learn more about trees.

Resources:

The Gift of the Tree by Alvin R. Tresselt

Are Trees Alive? by Debbie S. Miller

Outside and Inside Trees by Sandra Markle

The Life Cycle of a Tree by Bobbie Kalman

Usborne First Nature: Trees by Ruth Thomson

Eyewitness: Tree (Eyewitness Books)