Tree Observation Activity for Kindergarten Students
Teach about Trees
Before allowing the students to go to the science center activity, teach about trees:
Trees provide us with many gifts. Trees provide oxygen, through photosynthesis of the leaves, to humans and animals. They also provide a shade for us in the warm weather, and a home for many animals and insects. They provide us wood for our homes, boats and for bonfires. Native Americans used trees to make canoes. Trees also give us food. Pears, apples, bananas, coconuts, walnuts, cherries and oranges, to name a few, all grow from trees. Trees provide us with many materials that we use every day at school like tables, desks, paper, pencils, rulers, books, blocks and paint. Trees provide household items for us as well, such as paper towel rolls, clothespins, and even the maple syrup for pancakes is processed from sap inside the maple tree. If desired, provide an indoor tree such as a Bonsai or Ficus for students to observe as well.
Say to the students:
- Today, I have provided many of these items for observation and have a collection on the observation table. There are books about trees, your journals, magnifying glasses, pencils and crayons. Your assignment is to study the items and journal about them. You can write a poem about a tree or about one object that comes from a tree, you can tell a story, create a list or draw and label each item that you observe.
Observation Table for Science Center Activity
Provide an observation table for students to visit during center time. This activity will allow them to explore some of the gifts that we receive from trees. It is recommended that the optimal number of students in the center for this activity is four to five students.
Materials Needed
For Student Use:
Books about trees (see article one for suggested reading)
Magnifying glasses
Journals and pencils
Crayons
For Observation:
Acorns, walnuts, hickory
Shoe polish
Pencil and paper
Maple syrup
Book, magazine, newspaper
Doll furniture
Wooden ruler
Paint
Wooden clothespin
Assessment of Tree Center Activiites
Formal: Provided a worksheet with some of the objects on it, including those that do not come from trees, can the students circle only the objects that do come from trees?
Informal: Journal entry. Each should be individually assessed for content and quality. Student work is always expected to be neat and legible. Center behavior- can be self-assessed by the student. Student uses materials appropriately, cleans the area, and maintains a pleasant atmosphere with other students in the center.
This post is part of the series: Trees and Seasons Unit: Introduction
Teaching seasons and trees covers a lot of science material. The reason we need trees, parts of a tree, seasons and even family trees in the unit as a home and school connection. Included as well is literacy and music connections.
- Science for K-Grade 3: Starting Your Trees and Seasons Unit
- Summer Lesson Plan: All About a Tree in Summer
- Adopting a Tree in this Fall Lesson Plan
- Winter Trees: Winter Lesson Plan For Grade School Students
- Spring Trees Lesson Plan
- A Tree Observation Activity for Science Lessons
- Parts of a Tree: An Interactive Bulletin Board
- An Easy and Fun Family Tree Project