Get outside and soak up the sun with this fantastic math and science activity from Nicole at One Hook Wonder. Armed with journal pages {like our examples}, a pencil, crayons, and a magnifying glass, send your students out for a tree study! Invite them to observe, describe, draw and/or record the following:
- Draw a picture of the tree.
- Draw a map of the tree's location.
- Include a rubbing of the tree bark.
- Include a rubbing of one of the tree leaves.
- Measure the diameter of the tree.
- Measure the height of the tree {if possible!}
- Draw {or trace!} and describe the shape of the leaves.
- Describe the texture and color of the tree bark.
Consider adding a few of these extensions to the lesson:
- Invite your kiddos to spend a few minutes observing the tree. Have them write down all the living things they see, drawing pictures of some of the animals {squirrels, spiders, etc}.
- Have your students sit by the tree and listen. Ask them to write about what they hear in or near the tree {leaves fluttering, squirrels chattering, birds singing, branches moving, etc}.
- Invite your students to use a magnifying glass to look more closely at the tree. Have them record any new observations about the tree, its bark and leaves, or the living things on/around it.
- Compare the diameters of the trees in the study. Have your kiddos order the samples from oldest to youngest, discussing how the diameter of the tree is indicative of age.