Classroom Activities: Forests
These classroom activities are designed to complement the Forests topic on BrainPOP Jr.
Adopt a Tree
As a long term project, have each student pick a tree in the community for observation. This may be a deciduous or a coniferous tree. Have children make observations and take notes about their chosen tree. They can research their tree, and learn what kind of animal and insect life it supports. They may want to note its color, measure the size of its leaves, and observe if there is fruit or flowers growing. Encourage students to draw pictures or take photographs. Then, every other month, have students observe their tree and take notes. How does the tree change with the seasons? At the end of the project, have students share their tree observations with the class and describe their findings. They may even want to prepare a bar graph or pictograph to display their data.
Cones
If possible, bring in cones from coniferous trees for small groups of students to observe. Children may want to use hand lenses or tweezers to help them inspect the cones. How do the cones protect seeds? Do all cones from the same tree look the same? Explain to students that coniferous trees produce male cones and female cones, and that as the seeds mature within a female cone, the cones remain closed. When the weather gets warmer, the cones open and the seeds are released. Why might this adaptation be helpful? Guide students to make inferences and predictions.
Arbor Day
Teach students about Arbor Day, and celebrate it together. National Arbor Day in the United States is the last Friday in April, but many states observe it on different dates, according to their best tree-planting times. Have your class choose a tree they would like to plant, and research how to plant the seeds or seedlings. Celebrate the planting with poems written by the students. What might the tree see over its lifetime?
Extension Activities:
Cones
If possible, bring in cones from coniferous trees for small groups of students to observe. Children may want to use hand lenses or tweezers to help them inspect the cones. How do the cones protect seeds? Do all cones from the same tree look the same? Explain to students that coniferous trees produce male cones and female cones, and that as the seeds mature within a female cone, the cones remain closed. When the weather gets warmer, the cones open and the seeds are released. Why might this adaptation be helpful? Guide students to make inferences and predictions.
Arbor Day
Teach students about Arbor Day, and celebrate it together. National Arbor Day in the United States is the last Friday in April, but many states observe it on different dates, according to their best tree-planting times. Have your class choose a tree they would like to plant, and research how to plant the seeds or seedlings. Celebrate the planting with poems written by the students. What might the tree see over its lifetime?
Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Forests
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Tree Study
What trees are in your community or yard? Take a walk together and study trees in your area. How are they alike or different? What types of trees are they? How do the trees help the community as a whole? How do they provide habitats for animals and other living things? Research at a library or on the Internet to find out. Guide your child to understand that each tree can be a habitat for countless animals, such as birds, insects, and small mammals.
