Parts of Trees Song
Help children learn and remember tree parts with the video Mr. R’s Parts of Trees Song (to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”).
The Branch Archive
Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?
Help learners understand why it is sometimes necessary to cut trees in order to get wood, protect other trees, or reduce tree hazards. The book Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down? is geared for students in grades 1–3 and also provides tips for planting a new tree.
Explore Neighborhood Sounds
PLT educator Karen Christenson offers Ideas for Young Learners to Explore Sounds around their Neighborhood.
Identify Trees from Leaves
Leafsnap is a free app that uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from leaf photographs you take in the field. Leafsnap currently focuses on tree species found in the Northeastern United States and Canada, but expansion is underway to include all U.S. regions.
Sound Exploration and STEM
Engage students in real-world applications of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education with STEM connections for this activity: STEM: Sounds Around.
Tree Identification Guides
PLT staff like and use these Tree ID guides: The Fandex Family Field Guides Peterson Field Guides
A Listening Walk
Check out this instructional video for home learners by the Jeffers Foundation: A Listening Walk. It shows children how to practice listening for nature sounds, and how to collect acorns and other natural objects to make a sound guessing game.
Acoustical Society of America’s Sound Resources
Explore Educator Resources from the Acoustical Society of America, including lesson plans, activities, and a gallery of interesting nature sounds.
The Science of Fall Leaves
The US National Arboretum has collected online resources on the science of fall foliage. Resources include “The Science of Color in Autumn Leaves,” which describes how and why leaves change color; an extensive photo gallery of trees in fall color; and a list of “Selected Plants Providing Colorful Autumn Foliage.”
Identify Birds
Merlin is a free app for identifying birds you see and hear. Using your location, the date, and your answers to a few simple questions (or your sound recording), Merlin shows you likely birds.