Trees

The giant sequoia is the most massive living organism on earth. To stand in the company of such giants is to experience the scale of life. To a kindergartner the oak on the corner, the pines at the park, and the mulberry trees at school are giants. In the Trees module systematic investigations bring students to a better understanding of the place of trees at school and in the community, and provide some solid experiences on the way to understanding all plants.

• Develop a growing curiosity and interest in the living things that make up their world. Observe and describe the properties of trees and leaves in the schoolyard.
• Compare the similarities and differences of the trees and leaves observed on mini field trips.
• Help plant and care for a tree temporarily in the classroom, then permanently in the schoolyard.
• Observe the trees throughout the school year to observe the changes that come with the different seasons.
• Compare the shapes of leaves to geometric shapes.
• Compare the size and edges ofleaves using a reference card.
• Use pictorial experiences to heighten their awareness of diversity and variety of trees and leaves.
• Acquire the vocabulary associated with the properties and structures of trees and leaves.
• Use drawings and oral language to describe observations.