Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Each year, thousands of people across Australia take part in Schools Tree Day. This activity is designed to help students learn about how to plant, and care for the seedlings they grow during Schools Tree Day.
Schools Tree Day 2020 is on Friday 31st July, although events can be held at any time during the year. To take part you don’t have to be planting trees, you could be growing a vegetable garden, weeding a previously planted area, adding shrubs to the building surrounds or venturing out to the local bush to lend community groups a helping hand.
Following this lesson is an ideal way for students to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your students will join thousands of amazing 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.
For more extensive Dirtgirl resources check out the website. The Dirtgirlworld website is jam-packed with interactive fun things to make you want to get outside and get grubby!
Learning goals:
- Students understand that trees are living things.
- Students understand that seeds have a growth cycle from seed to tree.
- Students understand how to plant and care for a tree.
- Students take responsibility for their local environment.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2., OI.7.
Australian Curriculum content description: As this activity is intended to adapt for a range of year levels, no explicit links have been provided.
Topic: Schools Tree Day, Biodiversity.
Year levels: Early Learning – Year 4.
Time required: 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Facilitate students in sharing their ideas about planting trees.
Resources required: Internet access, computers, seeds or seedlings.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Homework and extension opportunities: Encourage students to plant a free at home.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Quick summary: Venture into the great outdoors with your students and connect with nature. Walk around the schoolyard and ask your students to think about where a good planting site might be. Discuss with your students what trees need to survive. Then come back inside and use the Dirtgirl music video to learn how to plant a seed.