Outdoor Education Program

Lesson 11: Middle-Senior Years Tree ID

Lesson Focus and Goals: Get your class outside exploring trees in the neighbourhood! Students will learn how to identify and make connections to these plant relatives. Using a jigsaw strategy, students will learn about a tree native to Manitoba then share their findings with small groups while learning about other trees!

Download Lesson Plan

Materials Needed:

  • Clipboard
  • Pens/pencils (optional)
  • Attached lesson sheet for students
  • Computer or tablet to connect to the internet
  • Tree ID worksheet

Grade Level — Early Years:

Social Studies
  • Indigenous Teachings and worldviews
  • Living in Manitoba
  • Natural Resources
Science
  • Habitats and communities
  • Diversity of living things
  • Interactions within ecosystems

Activate:

After watching the tree identification video, students can find a tree in the neighbourhood or nearby park that they feel connected to. Take a few moments to sit with the tree. Ask students to reflect: How do you feel? What drew you to this particular tree? How would you describe the tree? Try to identify the tree.

Acquire:

Using a jigsaw method split students into 4 groups — Trembling Aspen, White Spruce, Cottonwood and Birch (or trees of your choosing). Students work together to answer the questions about their tree found on the next page.

Apply:

Break students up into their expert groups. Have each student share their findings with their group members. If you can, take a neighbourhood class walk and see if students can identify some of the trees they just studied!

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Interested in booking a classroom visit or an interpretive field trip? We have fun and educational nature-based programming available for K-12. School programming is aligned with the Manitoba Curriculum. We also offer daycare programming!

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