Boost observational skills and get to know the difference between deciduous, coniferous, and evergreen trees with a lesson that challenges scholars to compare, contrast, identify, sort, and draw their findings.   

Fourth graders go to an outdoor area and are assigned a specific native plant to observe. They read about and answer questions about their tree. They draw the tree. Finally, 4th graders teach the rest of the class about their tree.

What are the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees? Supplement your tree lessons with a set of activities that has learners describing, naming, comparing, and reading about deciduous and coniferous trees. The activities are...

Trees may look pretty similar until you take a closer look. Young scientists use their observation skills to describe the difference between the bark, leaves, and seeds of different trees. They then use a field guide to identify local...

Pine needles are actually modified leaves. In the 16th installment of 20, young scientists explore plants. Through an analysis of leaves — shape, veins, and edges — pupils see how to classify plants based on structural features.

Students identify and define types of trees. In this tree identification lesson, students complete a KWL chart on trees and read the book ABCedar: An Alphabet of Trees. Students complete a tree word scramble.

Male deer growing antlers to begin the breeding season is an example of a phenological event. First in a four-part series is an activity requiring individuals to collect phenological data on their campus. Classes discuss phenology, the...

What is a dichotomous key? When your kids ask, hand them a learning exercise like this one, to explain it. They use the key to identify four different trees, based on the budding twigs they've produced. Tip: Have learners extend this...

Students explore botany by researching plants in class. In this tree identification activity, students examine a group of leaves and list the different characteristics before guessing what types of trees they came from. Students read...

Plants take cues from the environment—change in daylight hours and temperature—to complete their seasonal life cycles. Lesson four in the series of six has classes collect phenology data on plants. After taking initial observations,...

Fourth graders investigate the ecosystem and how forests are disappearing.  In this environmental protection lesson, 4th graders analyze the changes in their school for 2 weeks.  Students practice identifying trees, birds, and...

Fourth graders explore tree rings. In this plant biology lesson plan, 4th graders construct a KWL chart on tree rings and examine real tree rings. Students identify the changes that happened during the tree's life and its actual age....

Students create a guidebook page about a plant on the school grounds. For this life and plant science lesson, students identify plants around the school, then research the plant and write a narrative about it. Students publish the book...

Students explore variety of plants & cacti in their Arizona community by collecting samples and taking photographs. Can be adapted to other areas.

Sixth graders observe school ground trees planted nearly 3 decades ago.  For this ecology lesson, 6th graders examine a group of trees planted near their campus and measure the diameter, circumference and growth of the tree compared...

In this plant worksheet, students create a map of a familiar area such as their yard, a nearby park, or the school grounds showing the major plants. On their map they identify the plants in three ways following the example provided. ...

Students practice recognizing the letters in the alphabet. They create leaves of coconut trees out of cans and use magnetic letters to retell a story they heard before.

Part two in a series of four explores the effects of climate on succession or the changing of plant species in a forest. Groups review how to identify trees and then spend a day in the field collecting extensive data on trees to...

Twelfth graders examine selected tree species. In this tree lesson, 12th graders examine twenty selected tree species, identify them, and correctly map out the trees in the area.

Pupils review all of the alphabet letters once they are taught. They are involved in growing their class tree and then take an interactive part in putting their letter on the tree when it is their turn.

Students use their basic knowledge of dendrology concepts and terms.  In this tree leaf lesson students divide into groups and determine which characteristics go with what plant. 

Students discuss the many different types of animal signs that can be used to identify and track animals. They participate in an hands-on activity in which they examine tracks, trails, homes, territory markings, and even "scat" left by...

This lesson is designed after research done on the ecology of soil lichen in the Tucson Basin area during the summers of 1997 and 1998. Its purpose is to guide students into adopting the problem solving thinking of ecologists. The lesson...

Students discover the reproductive parts of a plant.  In this biology lesson, students identify and categorize several different plants they dissect in class.  Students record their information using a data chart.