Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this activity children are asked to ‘investigate’ a tree. Younger children will investigate the differences between trees in the yard. Older children will be blindfolded and either feel the features of a tree or have the features explained to them by another student. They will then take off their blindfolds and try to identify their tree based on the features they felt or had explained to them.
Following this lesson is an ideal way for children to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your children will join thousands of amazing educators and teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.
This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning.
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EYLF Learning Outcome |
Elaborations |
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Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world |
3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment |
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Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners |
1. Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity 2. Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating |
Equipment needed:
- Ages – 0 to 2: The whole tree
- Ages – 2 to 5: Blindfolds, drawing materials.
Supporting resources:
Other resources:
- Cool Australia Biodiversity Toolbox
- Cool Australia Biodiversity video (see below)
Cool Australia Presents Biodiversity from Cool Australia on Vimeo.
Cool Australia would like to acknowledge the support of the Seedlings Early Years Education for Sustainability (EYEfS) program.
Background information