Connecting Kids to Nature
Try this
Try this activity in a forest—a natural place to learn!
ry
y
ral
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For over 35 years, Project Learning Tree® has used the forest as a “window” to help young people
Tree has
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gain an awareness of the world around them and their place within it. Blending a walk in the
world
r place
forest with a fun and engaging PLT activity creates a powerful learning experience for children of
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all ages. Here’s one idea in a series from PLT that introduces the concept of structure and scale.
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Activit
Activity 61:
Activity 61: The Closer You Look
Closer You Look
Closer
All children, no matter their age, have an idea of what a tree
chil
children, no matter their age, have
hav
what tree
tr
look like,
looks like, but many are unfamiliar with the actual structure of
ar unfamiliar
actual structure of
uctur
looks
are unfamiliar
a tree. In this activity, children will go outdoors to take a closer
tr
activity
outdoors to
utdoors
close
closer
tree. this activity, children will
look trees
look at trees and their parts.
their parts.
trees
Doing the Activity
Doing the Activity
tivity
Doing
Before your next nature walk or outdoor adventure, have
fore your
natur wal
utdoor
entur hav
Before yo next nature walk outdoor adventure, have
chil
children close their eyes and picture a tree. Ask them to think
pictur
picture tree. Ask
tr
to think
children close their eyes
close
abo its shape, br
about its shape, branch arrangement, and trunk and leaf
arrang
tr
trunk
leaf
eaf
about
branch arrangement,
textur Hav
texture. Have them draw a picture of a tree from memory.
dr
draw picture
pictur
tree from memory.
memory
texture. Have
Nex
Next, head outside with a camera or sketchbook to have a
outside
uts
camer
camera sketchbook to have
ketchbook hav
Next,
closer look. On your walk, locate several different tree species
lose
diffe
tr
pecies
closer look. On yo walk, locate several different tree species
your
for children to observe. Ask:
children to observe. Ask:
rve. Ask
• What is the shape of the trunk? Tall, straight, bent, or gnarled?
What is the shape of the trunk? Tall, straight, bent, or gnarled?
hape
unk? ll, aight,
narled?
Is there one trunk or does it split into multiple trunks?
unk
multipl
unks
Is ther one trunk or does it split into multiple trunks?
there
eel
look
• What color is the bark? How does it feel? How does it look?
What color is the bark? How does it feel? How does it look?
olor
bar
twigs?
• What shape are the branches and twigs?
What shape are the branches and twigs?
hape
anches
there
• Are there any seeds,
Are ther any seeds,
eeds
fruits nuts, or cones on the tree?
fruits, nuts, or cones on the tree?
fruits, nuts
nes
ee?
• What color and shape are the leaves or needles?
Where are they located on the tree?
• What is the overall shape of the tree crown?
What is the ove
hape
rown?
overall shape of the tree crown?
Trees in the genus Quercus, or oak group, are
an important and valuable component of West
Virginia’s forests and are characterized by a
cluster of buds at the ends of their twigs.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND POETRY
Some children may not be
in their
drawing abilities or may not take the time
sketches. In
necessary to complete
lieu of drawing, consider using a camera
to collect data. Photography, especially
once paired with a story or poem, can
deliver a powerful message. Check out this
photograph and haiku combination!
The icy branches
On a chilly winter day
Stare right back at me
Hunter Liu, 4th grade student
Sunny Hills Elementary
Compare and
mpar
Compare and
contrast the two
ntr
two
contrast
drawings. What new
awings.
drawings. What new
details appear in
details appeared in
appeared
the second drawing?
the second drawing?
eco
awing
What character tics
What characteristics
characteristics
wer similar? Use
were similar? Use
were imil
this Sample Graphic
this Sample Graphic
ampl Graphic
Organiz chart
Organizer chart
Organizer
to assi
to assist with your
assist
yo
your
comparison.
comparison.
mpar son
Adapted from Activity 61: The Closer You Look in Project Learning Tree’s PreK Environmental Education Activity Guide.
Adapted from Activity 61: The Closer You Look in Project Learning Tree’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide.
dapted
ctivity
lose
ook
roject Learning ee’ PreK-8 vir nment
ucation
Guide.
Discover how PLT can help you teach… from nature!
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• Attend a workshop near you to receive PLT activity guides, ideas, and materials.
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• Contact your West Virginia PLT State Coordinator: Cinda Francis, [email protected]
West
W
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or toll-free at (888) 372-9663.
toll-free
www.plt.org
While out ͥ