Embrace the Outdoors: Fall Leaves & Trees

This unit study turns the backyard into a classroom. From the rhythmic secrets hidden within tree rings to the ingenious ways seeds "take flight" like tiny helicopters, this pack blends scientific discovery with creative play. Whether you are identifying species with 3-part cards, engineering your own seed dispersal systems, or capturing the beauty of the season through nature art, this guide provides everything you need to foster a lifelong love for the great outdoors.
 
The unit includes a variety of educational activities and resources:
 
Identification and Botany
3-Part Cards: Flashcards used to help children identify common trees and their leaves, such as Oak, Maple, Birch, and Apple.
 
Seed Dispersal: Lessons on how seeds travel via wind, water, animals, humans, and even "explosive" methods.
 
Tree Anatomy: Diagrams and activities exploring the layers of a tree trunk, including the bark, phloem, cambium, xylem, and heartwood.
 
Tree Rings: Information on how to "read" the life story of a tree through its rings, identifying years of growth, moisture levels, or damage from fire.
 
STEM and Hands-on Activities
Design a Seed STEM: A project where students use recycled materials to engineer a seed capable of traveling at least 12 inches when dropped.
 
Seed & Find: A game that combines seed dispersal concepts with navigation, using a compass and cardinal directions to find hidden seeds.
 
Backyard Tree Study: A final project where students act as botanists to collect data, take sketches, and identify tree species in their local area.
 
Arts and Crafts
Nature Art: Projects include birch tree painting using masking tape and plastic cards, leaf rubbing art, and creating a DIY leaf press.
 
Personal Growth Rings: An artistic activity where students create a personal "tree cross-section" to metaphorically represent their own life and growth.
 
The pack is designed for a range of ages, and focuses on rediscovering nature through observation and active engagement.
 
* This is a digital product. No physical item will be sent.