You can even provide a bonus point for each way that they can list that trees are beneficial to humans. Give them a set time period such as 4 hours. Let them see who can turn in the most extensive tree identification book or tree leaf identification chart. If you have competitive children in the same age group, you can organize it as a scavenger hunt for trees. Then, create a display to showcase 9 different tree species that they were able to identify in their neighborhood. You can challenge them to divide a poster board into 9 square equal parts. Younger children can make a tree leaf identification chart. This is great if they can’t reach the leaves or prefer not to pick them. This nature journal will be an informative keepsake to have on hand throughout the years! Instead of you using actual leaves, they could use photographs of leaves they have found. Have them set a goal of 5 new tree species each week. They can work on it over the course of several weeks. Older, more patient kids can make a tree identification book. It can even be adjusted to meet the needs of several children of varying ages. This tree leaf identification project can be arranged and presented in various ways in order to suit your child’s personality. More Fun Tree Identification Activities For Kids Maple, sycamore, and sweet gum are all examples of Common North American trees. They all have simple leaf structure as do sugar maple, sycamore, elm, oak, and sweet gum. Common trees with compound leaves are hickory, walnut, and pecan trees. Furthermore, all of these leaf blades are attached to a single leafstem. A compound leaf, however, has more than one blade. A simple leaf will have a single leaf blade with a bud at the base of the leafstem. How are the leaves arranged on the same twig? Help them identify whether tree leaves are simple leaves or compound leaves. Trees which display fall color and usually deciduous so this is a helpful clue in autumn months. That basic step is an important part of the tree identification process.
There is a study lesson about the difference between coniferous trees and deciduous trees here. A dichotomous key then be used to help narrow down the possibilities. Make sure children know the difference between coniferous trees (needle-shaped or scalelike leaves) and broadleaf trees (flat leaves). Finally, they can learn to record scientific names and the species of tree.
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Then, teach them how to identify the tree species using your chosen identification resource guide, online resource, or app. Tree Leaf Identification Activity Instructions:įirst teach children how to classify trees. They will need pencil or pen and scotch tape as well. Here they can record their work as they go. You will also want to provide your child with a notebook and or a poster board. You will learn so much through the process of identification that will be lost if you use the app first. I would suggest using tree identification apps only to double check your own findings. One example app is the Leafsnap app from the researchers at Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution.
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There you can get a tree identification manual or field guide.Īlternatively, you can use Arbor Day Foundation “ What Tree Is That?” online resource which is a series of electronic field guides. To begin, you will need to start the tree leaf identification project with a trip to the library. This is a great way to become familiar with the common tree species in your part of North America. However, to discover the species of oaks, you may need to delve further into the tree characteristics. For example, an oak tree may easily be identified by the leaf shape. Additionally, they will learn to look at the tree bark and tree seeds for further tree identification clues. This is often the easiest way for quick tree identification.
First, they will learn how to identify a type of tree by looking primarily at its leaves. Through these tree identification activities for kids, they will learn several ways to identify trees. How To Teach Kids About Tree Leaf Identification Tree identification for kids starts with leaf shape and progresses to other factors to consider for less well known trees. Not only will kids have fun hunting for different types of trees, they will also learn tree leaf identification skills that will stick with them for life. If you are looking for an educational project that gets kids having fun outdoors, a tree leaf identification project is perfect! They will actively be learning about science and nature at the same time.