Evergreen Lesson Plans

Learners discuss different types of trees and their characteristics.  In this tree lesson, students classify trees as deciduous and coniferous.  Learners then create a pine cone decoration for the holiday. 

Students are introduced to how to properly identify trees. Using trees at school, they identify them using their characteristics. In groups, they create their own field guides for the trees on school grounds and share them with the class.

Second graders complete activities with the book The Night Tree by Eve Bunting. In this literature lesson, 2nd graders listen to the story and discuss what the children did for the animals. They create their own food to hang on a Christmas tree.

Third graders adopt a deciduous tree in September, and begin regular observations of their tree. They create a timeline to show how leaves change color and conduct a science experiment to illustrate color change.

Students access a variety of Arbor Day themed websites. They locate information about ideas to celebrate the day and play interactive games. They read general information about trees and create crafts.

Students are introduced to the characteristics of trees and different techniques to identify them. They distinguish between a deciduous and a coniferous tree. Students describe at least four characteristics used to identify trees. They use a dichotomous key to identify trees.

Pupils observe the wildlife shown on the Washington state quarter and discuss what the world would be like if there were no natural resources. They complete a worksheet of drawings that depict the world without trees, water or fish.

Students explore Native American spirituality. In this cultural diversity instructional activity, students research the medicine wheel as well as Native American symbols and values. Students also read "The Story of The Sacred Tree," and "The Sacred Circle."

Students research trees and their parts. For this forestry lesson, students participate in various learning stations to identify trees by matching the photographs of the tree to the correct name.

Students generate scientific observations of pine trees. In this pine tree lesson, students explore pine trees native to Virginia. Students take a nature walk making scientific observations about the plants and trees they encounter. Using a microscope, students investigate the cellular structure of objects acquired during the nature walk.