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 child. 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.

EYLF Learning Outcome

Elaborations

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

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 Presents Biodiversity from Cool Australia on Vimeo.

 

The team at Cool Australia continually reviews and refines our Early Learning resources in line with expert advice and current educational practices.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Background information

Imagine a world without trees: no wood; no paper; no oxygen; no rustling of leaves; no shade on a hot day; no birds nesting in hollows and branches; no climbing to great heights on wobbly limbs; and no springtime blossoms to drag you out of the winter doldrums. Trees really do give us a lot. But how well do we really know the trees in our yard or garden? Spending time with trees and exploring them with all our senses can be one of the best ways to reconnect with nature.

We have many different types of trees in Australia, but the most distinctive is the eucalyptus. There are more than 700 species of eucalypti and most of these are native to Australia. Since the arrival of Europeans, many other species of trees have been introduced. While these trees are often beautiful - with autumn colours - and useful - by bearing fruit - they don't have the same value to our environment. Native trees provide native wildlife with food and shelter. They are also suited to the c

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Student Worksheet

Sing along with me to find out how to grow a tree!

 

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Leave your Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. Let us know what you like or don't like about this activity:

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.