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Arbor Day Teaching Theme
Plant Life Teaching Theme
Arbor Day Worksheets
Rainforest Teacher Worksheets
Botany Web Sites For Science Teachers
Rainforest Teaching Theme
Cellular Biology Workbook
Science Graphic Organizers Set
Cyber-Starters, Trees Workbook
Science Literacy - Animals, Plants, and Human Body

Arbor Day Tree Lesson Plans

  1. A Tall Trees Simulation- In this lesson, students will better understand that the environmental factors of an area affect a species's characteristics over time.
  2. Apples All Around!- Crafts and reading activities.
  3. Arbor Day Across the United States- Use a color-key map to learn about planting times, then create your own Arbor Day color-key map.
  4. Arbor Day Lesson Plan- Students learn about the reasons for celebrating Arbor Day. Integrates Be Friends to Trees by Patricia Lauber.
  5. Bark Casts- When students look at a tree they often see only the leaves. This activity will give them the opportunity to make careful observations of the bark as well as learn to use bark to classify and identify trees.
  6. Bark Imaging/Scans- Technology and the environment, what could be better?
  7. Beginner Bonsai- Students will understand the tradition of Bonsai trees and how they develop.
  8. Biggest Trees in the United States- Complete the chart to show the locations and sizes of some of the biggest trees in the United States.

Science Graphic Organizers Set

Offers a variety of organizers that can be used to assist learners in developing the knowledge and skill related to science content. These organizers can be easily adapted for use in all grade levels.

Cyber-Starters, Trees Workbook

There are 15 cyber-starters focusing on various varieties of trees including birch, ash, dogwood, maple, oak, elm, and other common trees.
  1. Colors in the Leaves- Where do the brilliant colors of fall come from? Most leaves appear green. In the fall, leaves turn orange, yellow, and red. Most leaves aren't changing colors. The pigments are always present in the leaves.
  2. Deciduous and Coniferous Trees- There are distinguishing characteristics of deciduous and coniferous trees. Students will learn through a hands-on approach about these characteristics.
  3. Deforestation (A Unit Lesson Plan 2 - 3 weeks)- In this lesson plan you will explore what the forest offers us, the production of our forest products, and what you can do to help sustain the forest.
  4. Forest in a Jar- The major purpose of this activity is for students to recognize the process of succession.
  5. How are Leaves Alike and Different- An idea that applies to all grade levels.
  6. How Does Your Tree Measure Up?- Complete the chart that shows locations and sizes of some of the biggest trees in the United States.
  7. How the tree got its leaves?- Sit outside by some trees with the class while they write. Before returning to the classroom have each student take a leaf from the ground.
  8. If Trees Could Speak, What Would They Say?- Students will be able to write a well-developed paragraph in the third person about how a tree might feel during the change of seasons.
  9. Kirigami: The Ancient Art of Paper Cutting- Practice the ancient art of kirigami to create a stylized tree silhouette.
  10. Lesson Plans for Forest-Minded Teachers- Over 20 lessons ranging for K-12 grades.
  11. Local Trees and Their Function- In this lesson, students learn about deciduous trees and the various types of leaves and arrangements associated with them (simple, compound, alternate, and opposite).
  12. Look At Those Leaves!- To observe, measure, and sort tree leaves. To examine leaves individually, in groups, and in relationship to the entire tree.
  13. Make Your Own Paper- Students will be able to plan, design, and produce a wooden deckle with a removable screen and make a piece of paper using the deckle.
  14. "My Life As A Tree"- This lesson can be used for Kindergarten through fourth grade! This is a good way to introduce the students to three parts of a tree and how they function. Extensions can be easily added such as studying the tree rings for evidence of disease, fire, and other detrimental effects on a tree.
  15. My Tree Book- Students will "adopt" a tree and throughout the year will record and examine its characteristics and the changes that it goes through.
  16. My Tree House- Design a blueprint of your tree house.
  17. Photosynthesis and Transpiration- The purpose of this lesson is to help students experience science in a different way. To change students negative attitudes toward science into positive.
  18. Plant Dyes- Students will be able to use plant materials to create various colored dyes and will be able to use these dyes to create a painting and/or dye cloth.
  19. Plant Structure and Function- This unit focuses on the functions of the leaves, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. In addition, the identification of plant species is emphasized. Saskatchewan field and forage crops are used to show plant diversity. The importance of agriculture is discussed.
  20. Plant Systems- Identify root and leaf systems (as well as measure length and width).
  21. Plants- Plants are living things with specific needs, characteristics and uses.
  22. Recycling Paper- Waste products from the production of energy and from the manufacturing often produce pollution, and live trees help preserve the global ecology. It makes sense to cut down on our high use of packaging in products. In addition, it makes sense to recycle.
  23. Red Maple Takeover- Red Maple Takeover Introduction You know what the fall season is like. There's a nip in the air. The football season starts. And in northern backroads, leaf-peeping tourists are taking in the fall foliage. But is it true, are the peepers really seeing more red than ever before?
  24. Shapes in Nature- Using a digital camera to capture nature.
  25. Terrific Trees- A complete unit plan spanning many subject areas.
  26. The Giving Tree- This lesson integrates The Giving Tree with art, language arts, and science. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of trees and giving through three main activities.
  27. The Great Plant Escape- You will find that plants are an important part of your life. We will need your help to find clues, do experiments, and solve problems as we journey into the world of plants.
  28. The Importance of Trees in the Rural Area: Planting a Snowfence- Trees can play an important role in rural areas. As a living snowfence, trees can protect roads and highways as well as provide habitat cover for wildlife and protection for livestock. This activity gives students hands-on experience in planting trees as well as being involved in area projects.
  29. Transpiration- To show how plants act to help maintain the HYDROLOGIC CYCLE.
  30. Tree Core Models- To make models of tree core samples. To describe the usefulness of these models, as well as analyze them in order to make predictions about the trees' growing conditions.
  31. Tree Journal- In this activity children develop their observation skills by applying their senses to the study of life in and around a single tree. The observations can be done as a whole class project in school or as an individual project at home.
  32. Tree Measurement- This activity is used to help understand vertical and horizontal measurement of large objects.
  33. Tree Measurement- This Explorer activity is used to help students understand vertical and horizontal measurement of large objects.
  34. Trees in Art and Nature- Students learn about trees, comparing those in Vincent van Gogh's paintings to those in nature. After learning about the botany of trees, students create leaf rubbings found, imitating Van Gogh's use of color.
  35. Trees, Trees, Trees!!!!- The environment is an issue of great importance. The more knowledgeable a person is about the world around them, the better prepared they are to maintain it.
  36. Uses of Trees- The students will identify 3-4 ways how trees are used. The students will produce 3 leaf rubbings using one color for each leaf.
  37. What's on the Christmas Tree?- Students will have an understanding of how the first Christmas was decorated.
  38. Why Does the Cocoa Tree Need a Tropical Rainforest to Grow?- Cocoa plants have specific requirements to survive. Plants thrive naturally in different biomes. Growing conditions and requirements can be affected by human activity.

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