• All About Trees

All About Trees is written for preschool students. In this lesson, the classroom teacher will discover what students already know about trees. Students will listen to a variety of tree-related stories read aloud. Students will learn about the things we use that come from trees.

• Lesson materials:

  • Be a Friend to Trees

  • A Grand Old Tree

  • We Planted a Tree

• Forest Stewardship

Forest Stewardship is written for kindergarten students and could be easily adapted for students in early elementary. In this lesson, students will discover what it means to be a steward. Students will come up with ways to be a steward. Students will learn the importance of being a steward for people today and the future. 

• Uses of a Tree

Uses of a Tree is written for first and second grade students. In this lesson, students will be able to identify and sort tree resources.

• Lesson materials:

  • Be a Friend to Trees

• The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is written for third grade students. In this lesson, students will identify the difference between wants and needs. Students will discover the ways in which trees provide people with things they want and need.

• Lesson materials:

  • The Giving Tree Read Aloud

• Please the Trees, But Not These, Please!

Please the Trees, but Not These, Please! is written for students in third through sixth grade. In this lesson, students will identify the basic needs for tree survival and how those needs are met.

• Tree Growth

Tree Growth is written for students in third grade but can easily be adapted for students in fourth and fifth grade. In this lesson, students will identify tree rings and study tree growth in height and diameter. The students will learn about conditions that can affect tree growth. Finally, the students will participate in a creative writing project using the structure of tree rings to write about their own growth.

• Tree Products Scavenger Hunt

Tree Products Scavenger Hunt is written for students in sixth grade. In this lesson, students will explore how many everyday items come from the forest. Students will learn that many items are not easily recognizable as coming from the forest. Students will learn the importance of making smart choices with these items.

• Who Cares About the Forest?

Who Cares About the Forest? is written for students in seventh grade. In this lesson, students will explore and compare the Native American views of the natural environment versus the contemporary views.

• It’s All in the Rings

It’s All in the Rings is written for students in sixth through eighth grade. In this lesson, students will learn how trees grow. Students will look at tree rings to analyze the way a tree grows and adapts to its environment to survive. 

• Scavenger Hunt

Dendrology Scavenger Hunt is written for students in ninth through twelfth grade. In this lesson, students will work together to find and describe characteristics of leaves.

• Forest Measurements

Forest Measurements is written for students in tenth through twelfth grade. In this lesson, students will understand the importance of accurate forestry measurement and the techniques used to measure trees by individuals like: a forester, logging contractor, or sawmill operator or employee.

• Forest Sustainability

Forest Sustainability is written for students in tenth through twelfth grade. In this lesson, students will read and discuss the history of forest sustainability, silviculture and the importance of forests to our world. 

• Introduction to Urban and Community Forestry:  Why Do We Need Trees?

Introduction to Urban and Community Forestry: Why Do We Need Trees? is written for students in twelfth grade but can be adapted for students in ninth through eleventh grade. In this lesson, students will read several articles on urban forestry and stewardship. The students will participate in discussion surrounding topics such as: 

• Uses of trees in an urban setting

• Values of trees

• How trees have been used in urban settings throughout history

• How trees affect air pollution 

• How trees place oxygen in the air

• How trees cool temperature

• How trees control erosion

• How trees benefit wildlife

• Exploring Tree Rings

Exploring Tree Rings is written for students in ninth through twelfth grade. In this lesson, students will learn how a tree’s rings can be used to understand tree growth and history.