Lesson Plan Title : Observing Trees

Age Range: Kindergarten through grade 2 (Primary)

Overview and Purpose: This is a multi-week project that lets students observe the changes that occur to trees in the fall. They take pictures and record their observations over several weeks to get a better sense of what happens.

Objective: The student will be able to create a timeline of a tree losing its leaves.

Resources:

Camera

Journals

Crayons/markers

Activities:

This is a multi-week activity. Have the students create a timeline of a tree losing its leaves. Beginning in September, choose a tree on the school property and each week have the students spend some time observing it. Have them take pictures, describe it in their journals, and draw a picture of it.

As the students start to notice changes, have them record their observations and questions. Discuss and research the questions during science and computer time. Create a class book with the observations and pictures.

Wrap Up:

You could begin this activity by having the students predict what will happen to the tree and why. At the end of the observations, revisit the predictions and compare what the students thought would happen with what did occur. Have them correct any incorrect statements they had made about the process.