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Trees
When the weather is cold and plants are dormant, many turn to indoor gardens. But the winter still offers many wonderful learning opportunities in your schoolyard and outdoor gardens. What better time for close observation of trees?
Trees are essential workhorses in our environment, providing us with oxygen to breathe, food to eat, and wood for shelter and warmth. They come in all shapes and sizes, adding height and shade to our landscapes. Since many trees shed their leaves to survive cold conditions, this is a perfect time of year to study their structure. It is also a great lead-in to discussing the adaptations of trees that keep their leaves through the winter (evergreens).
This month we provide background information about basic tree structure and function, along with lesson and activity ideas to help get you started.
How Trees Work—Get background information about the basic structure and function of trees.
Teaching with Trees—Learn how educators at Wearwood Elementary School in Tennessee are using trees to connect students with their environment.
Lesson Ideas
History in a Tree—Students investigate tree rings and how they can be used to determine historical environmental conditions.
Tree Math—Students practice measuring the circumference of trunks and estimate the height of trees.
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