Trees Lesson: My Connection to Nature
Lesson Plan
1 hour 40 minutesGradesK, 1, 2Science
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Written by Kimberly Talarico
About this lesson
In this outdoor lesson, students make connections to trees through songs, observational drawing, and writing. This lesson encourages outdoor exploration and using all of the senses to learn about the importance of trees.
Inquire: Students share background knowledge about trees and their importance.
Investigate: Students explore a tree using their senses.
Inspire: Students share their favorite parts of the tree.
Preview the lesson plan
Better on a bigger screen? Open it in its own tab.View Lesson Plan
Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- The Investigate section can be taught in two class periods, with the video, sing-along, and outdoor exploration on the second day.
- This lesson can be taught using maple trees as an example during maple syrup season to allow for listening to the sap within the trunk of the tree. Note: Stethoscopes are great tools to use for this.
- This lesson can be taught during a unit on nature, animals, climate education, or plants.
- This lesson highlights the importance of trees to our planet and allows students to physically connect with a tree while learning about the importance of the different parts of a tree.
Prerequisites
- Planning for outdoor time should be weather-dependent. Choose a time that allows students to enjoy the experience.
- Plan a time for students to be able to individually touch the tree and feel the bark, trunk, etc.
- When exploring the tree, explain to students not to harm the tree. Explain that we should not pick at the bark, break the branches, or dig up the roots of the tree.
Differentiation
- Optional extension activities include:
- Students can build a tree as a Center Activity, see Build a Tree Center Activity.
- Share the story Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers. After reading the story, students discuss why trees are important and what they can do to protect trees.
- Using the photo of the cross-section of a tree trunk, students can learn how to determine the age of the tree. See the Teacher Slideshow.
- Teachers can encourage more advanced students to write sentences about their experience on the back of the Using Our Senses to Connect with Trees worksheet while they are outside or when they back in the classroom as a journaling experience.
- Students may draw, write, or share their ideas orally during the Inspire section.
From the scientist review
This lesson plan introduces students to the importance of trees. The lesson plan includes additional links to materials for the lesson, learning tasks, references, and resources. This lesson is a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance climate-related learning experiences that connect students with nature.
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
About the teacher writer
Kimberly Talarico
Kimberly Talarico (she/her) is the Climate Education Coach for Milwaukee Public Schools in Wisconsin with 25 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, a Master of Education in Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and a certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Edgewood College. Kimberly is licensed in Elementary/Middle Level Education and Adaptive Education and holds a Principal license.
