My Adopted Tree
- Students will adopt a tree and create their own questions about the tree.
- Students will find answers to their questions.
- Students will create a final product to show what they learned about their tree.
- Students will fill out a KWL chart about trees.
Estimated Time Required:
3 class periods with possible extensions
- Paper, pencils and crayons.
- Books about trees. I Can Name 50 Trees Today by Bonnie Worth is a good example.
- KWL chart
- Note cards
- Start a discussion with the class about trees. Ask such questions as how can you tell the age of a tree? And why do their leaves change color? Have students begin filling out a KWL chart during this process. [You can access a KWL chart by clicking the file under Media Links located to the right in the green box.] Write on board what they know and what they want to know or what they wonder about. They can fill this out on their worksheets as you write.
- Read a short illustrated book about trees such as I Can Name 50 Trees Today by Bonnie Worth. Have students listen for new information as you read. Complete the KWL chart by having the students write down what they learned.
- Go outside and have children “adopt” a tree. They will later do extensive research on this tree.
- Instruct them to draw a picture of the tree and use another piece of paper to do a bark rubbing of the tree.
- Collect a leaf from the tree and any other additions such as fruit, flowers, or nuts. Put away collection for the next day.
- Have each student create at least 5 questions about their tree. Of course, everyone will need to identify the tree’s name. You may want to have them use these note cards to organize their information. Go to: http://admin.curiositycreek.org/data/Note_Cards.pdf
- Gather tree collection. Go to the library and look at tree identification books to help students find the answers to their questions. The internet could also be a helpful source. The Dichotomous Tree Key is a good source: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/veg/treekey/index.htm
- Students then take the information learned and create a song, story, or poem about their tree.
- Collect all information and create a class tree scrapbook
Have students draw pictures of their trees for every season of the year.
- Students complete the KWL chart.
- Students successfully create and answer 5 questions about their tree.
- Tree rubbing, drawing, leaf, and final product are put in class scrapbook.
You can find additional activities on the topic of trees by searching on the "Activities" page.
This lesson plan was created by Rachel Bailey.
AASL Standards for 21st Century Learner
- AASL Standard 1: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge
- AASL Standard 2: Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations and create new knowledge
- Knows that learning can come from careful observations and simple experiments.
• Formulating questions
• Gathering/Collecting information
• Locating & Accessing information
• Sharing creative products of inquiry-based learning
• 1st Grade
• 2nd Grade