Spring Tree Study - Math & Science Outdoor Activity!

Get outside and soak up the sun with this fantastic math and science activity from Nicole at One Hook Wonder. Armed with journal pages {like our examples}, a pencil, crayons, and a magnifying glass, send your students out for a tree study! Invite them to observe, describe, draw and/or record the following:

• Draw a picture of the tree.
• Draw a map of the tree's location.
• Include a rubbing of the tree bark.
• Include a rubbing of one of the tree leaves.
• Measure the diameter of the tree.
• Measure the height of the tree {if possible!}
• Draw {or trace!} and describe the shape of the leaves.
• Describe the texture and color of the tree bark.

Consider adding a few of these extensions to the lesson:

• Invite your kiddos to spend a few minutes observing the tree. Have them write down all the living things they see, drawing pictures of some of the animals {squirrels, spiders, etc}.
• Have your students sit by the tree and listen. Ask them to write about what they hear in or near the tree {leaves fluttering, squirrels chattering, birds singing, branches moving, etc}.
• Invite your students to use a magnifying glass to look more closely at the tree. Have them record any new observations about the tree, its bark and leaves, or the living things on/around it.
• Compare the diameters of the trees in the study. Have your kiddos order the samples from oldest to youngest, discussing how the diameter of the tree is indicative of age.