Tree Factory
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By modeling the parts of a tree and creating a “tree factory,” students will learn about the structure of a tree.
Objectives
Students will
- Describe the structure of a tree.
- Explain how different parts of a tree help the tree function.
For the complete activity and more like this, purchase the Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide at Shop.PLT.org and/or attend a professional development training in your state.
Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide is a supplementary curriculum that is multi-disciplinary, with an emphasis on science, reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies.
Each activity displays explicit connections to practices and concepts expected by the following national academic standards so teachers can easily see where the materials will fit into their lesson plans:
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Common Core Toolkit, includes
- English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA)
- Mathematics (CCSS.MATH)
- College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (C3)
Our professional development further demonstrates these connections, as well as to state and local standards, contact your state coordinator.
Where’s Rodney?
Where’s Rodney? Grades K-2 Written by: Carmen Bogan Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper Published by: Yosemite Conservancy, 2017 ISBN-13: 9781930238824 Recommended Reading Rodney can’t seem to sit still. At school, he is always more interested in what is happening outside the window than what is going on inside the classroom. Rodney has a reputation for... Read more »
EE Resources
Video: Photosynthesis and Respiration in Trees
“Photosynthesis and Respiration in Trees.” This 5:41-minute video explains the two important chemical processes that occur in trees: photosynthesis and respiration. It is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
Video: Crowns, Trunks, and Roots!
“Crowns, Trunks, and Roots!” This 5:36-minute video examines how the trunks, crowns, and roots of trees work together to support the tree. This video is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
Video: Why Do Leaves Change Color In Fall?
“Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?” This 6:59-minute video explains the remarkable transition forests undergo from summer to winter, including changes in leaf color. It is one of a series of BeLeaf It or Not! videos by Michigan State University Extension, which are geared for students.
Video Demo: Tree Factory
Watch the Tree Factory video demonstration (10 minutes) by Project Learning Tree.
Forests at Work: Video from a Science Teacher in Indiana
Go on an adventure with Rick Crosslin, a science teacher in Indiana, to investigate forest management in this video Forests at Work: An Indiana Expeditions Special. Students will learn how the genetic traits of seedlings can turn result in a tree farm full of magnificent hardwoods—similar to how our DNA can determine athletic ability, height, and... Read more »
Go Plant a Tree!
In this short video from PBS Plum Landing, see how students work with a local arborist to plant a tree in their community. Underneath the video, you’ll find some simple conversation starting questions and additional resources to inspire your students.
Inner Parts of A Tree Model
Help students visualize the inner layers of a tree trunk and better understand the function of its different parts by creating this easy-to-make visual aid – a cross-section of a tree trunk.
Digital Game: The Ruby Realm
The Ruby Realm is a multi-level adventure game about photosynthesis. Players must navigate a cavern in search of missing friends. Luckily, Biobot Bob– a robot powered by artificial photosynthesis– is there to help payers fend off evil enemies. Players must find light sources where Bob can generate the glucose he needs for power. Using Bob’s... Read more »
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