Trees: An Unnoticed Resource

This article was useful to me, in that it described something of a unit plan, allowing the reader to do a walk through in your mind as the group goes through the unit.

Trees: An Unnoticed Resource

This article was useful to me, in that it described something of a unit plan, allowing the reader to do a walk through in your mind as the group goes through the unit.

Bringing the Classroom to the Botanic Garden

If your classroom is in close proximity to a botanic garden, nature preserve, or wooded area, then this year-long project may be of interest to you. Teachers were invited to participate in ... See More

If your classroom is in close proximity to a botanic garden, nature preserve, or wooded area, then this year-long project may be of interest to you. Teachers were invited to participate in a professional development workshop conducted by nearby Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles, California. They were led through the same inquiry activities in three days that their students would complete over the course of the school year. Students (and teachers) acted like scientists by making observations, collecting data, predicting changes, etc. Besides learning firsthand about the seasonal changes that occurred in various tree types, students engaged in inquiry activities allowing them to practice various science process skills. One extension involved inviting families to come on a Saturday where their children became tour guides for the excursion. Students were given an opportunity to share what they had learned as a result of their yearlong tree study. The article provides an example of how nearby science organizations can reach out to share their facilities and expertise with teachers, students and families in their area.