The Experimental Zone ~ Trees - They Aren't Just For Climbing!
3:54 AM, May. 16, 2007
This week I'd like to share some projects we have completed during our tree and plant unit. Just like our annual insect unit, each spring and summer we delve into plant life.
And, we're never bored! There is always something fascinating we discover.
Over the last week we have spent three days (about 2 hours each) REALLY studying trees in our yard.
We used (page 3) of the following activity sheet to record details about each tree, its leaf, bark and branches. CLICK HERE to view and save a copy.
Plus, we did tree trunk rubbings.
And, we picked up soon-to-open flowers from a tulip poplar, acorns at various "sprouting" stages and magnolia "pods". We then dissected them and identified the parts needed to reproduce the tree. (It was fun to watch how my daughter approached the dissection of each item. Here she meticulously pulled back one leaf/petal at a time. These types of activities are great for teaching children about how scientists really conduct experiments.)
Several leaves from each tree were collected and we completed the art activity below. It is a new twist on a classic project from our own childhood.
Select a variety of fresh (live) leaves. Iron them between wax paper.
Then, cut around each leaf, leaving a generous border. Have your child write the name of the associated tree on paper. Cut out these labels.
Attach the leaves and their label to thread with tape.
Tie each leaf “strand” to a sturdy twig. Use the thread to create a hanger. Enjoy!
(BTW, we did this last Fall with the fall leaves. We hot glued grosgrain ribbon on the back of the top leaf and looped it around the twig and secured it with a dab of glue. The ribbon was also used to make a hanger. They looked pretty hanging in several windows.)
Thank you for taking the time to visit. See you next week on The Front Porch.
Michelle
Michelle and her husband have been homeschooling for 9 years. They are the owners of Treasure Box Press. Michelle holds a Master's degree in Child Development and Family Studies. She serves as the Judge Advisor for the North Carolina FIRST (www.usfirst.org) Lego League and a judge for the www.FIRST.org World Festival. She is the author of numerous Sam's Science Adventures, including "RIC: Robots in the Classroom", all available through www.TreasureBoxPress.com. She spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry before turning her heart toward home.
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We then dissected them and identified the parts needed to reproduce the tree. (It was fun to watch how my daughter approached the dissection of each item. Here she meticulously pulled back one leaf/petal at a time. These types of activities are great for teaching children about how scientists really conduct experiments.)
