How To... Hug a Tree - Electronically, by Linda Lindroth
Use trees as the basis for interdisciplinary learning in your classroom this spring
Choose a tree in your schoolyard. Measure its circumference and estimate its height. How many students will you need to give it a hug?
Trees are an all-time favorite subject for kids, whether it's a tree house hideaway or a nature investigation in science. Incorporate these "hug a tree" ideas for Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26).
Our national parks
One of the richest resources on the Internet for any study of trees is the "For Kids & Teachers" section of the National Park Service website.
LearnNPS. The comprehensive classroom materials include curriculum units and lessons and guides like the Archeology for Kids program to explore the past. Online environmental education resources and Teaching with Historical Resources are also available.
WebRangers. As WebRangers, students learn what park rangers do to protect our natural resources and cultural heritage. Choose from three levels for ages six and up, 10 and up and 13 and up. Each level has three tours of the national parks with lots of activities for reinforcing learning. First graders will love Talkin' Trash – just in time for Earth Day recycling. Teachers will love the related links for each activity. Complete all three tours – Adventure, Exploration and Discovery – to earn a WebRanger Passport.
The GoZONE. Search for parks in your area or complete an online visit of a park of your choice with virtual tours and activities.
The GalleryZONE. Students can view and post works of art and literature inspired by their National Parks. If unable to access this section via the homepage, go to www.nps.gov.
Trees – and more trees
Whether your curriculum focus is on trees and their habitats, trees in literature or recycling, here are some great resources for your spring agenda.
Tree-planting lessons – The National Arbor Day website features many activities for grades K-8. Tree guides, treeplanting projects and Arbor Day resource links are also found here.
Project Learning Tree – Incorporate trees and environmental education into your interdiciplinary units with this great resource.
Educational in Nature – This web resource has it all – extensive topics and lessons, activities, vocabulary and related links.
The Great Kapok Tree – Take advantage of the rich literature connections on trees to enhance your celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day. At this site you'll find lessons and links for The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry (Voyager Books, 2000). Other classic tree-related titles are The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins, 1964) and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1971).
For Reproducible click here. 
PDF 83B
Linda K. Lindroth is a technology resource teacher at Russell Cave Elementary School in Lexington, KY.
Search Free Activities:
