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Description
In this field-oriented lesson, students visit a local park or treed area to observe first-hand the biodiversity that can be found almost anywhere including within our ‘built environment’. Having been introduced to the distinctions between deciduous and evergreen trees, students will first determine which variety dominates. They list the names of any varieties they recognize, record descriptions of the sizes, shapes and anatomical features of the different trees in the area and collect leaf & branch samples for further study and discussion. Upon returning to the classroom students will summarize their evidence of biodiversity, discuss any tree features observed that relate to the time of year (season) and reflect on the importance and value of nature.
Should a forest habitat be accessible, suggestions / instructions for a more comprehensive, ecosystem study are included.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This easy-to-implement activity provides students with a meaningful outdoor learning experience and supports the teaching of elementary science concepts including biodiversity, tree identification, plant form and function, seasonal changes, healthy habitats, and stewardship.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
- Investigating change and the diversity of Earth’s systems helps us to develop understandings of the conditions necessary to sustain life.
- British Columbia
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
- Manitoba
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Growth and Changes in Plants
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Habitat and Communities
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Growth & Changes in Plants
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living things
- Grade 2
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living things
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Saskatchewan
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Needs & Characteristics of Living Things
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Plant Growth and Changes
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Habitats and Communities
- Yukon Territory
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 1
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (2)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Biodiversity
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Forests
