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Life Cycles of Trees

Class Title: Life Cycles of Trees
Audience: 2nd Grade
Offered: 4th Quarter
Length: 1hr. 50 minutes (look-around time in the Exploration Hall included)

Preparing for this Class:

1. A portion of the class will be outside, so participants should dress accordingly.
2. In case of inclement weather, alternate activities will be held inside

I. Class Description

This class will begin with an indoor discussion of the life cycle of a tree, including how physical growth and change are natural parts of the tree life cycle. Students will enjoy “dressing” a classmate up as a tree to explore the major parts of a tree and what trees require to survive and thrive. Following the class discussion, students will then rotate through two activities. In one activity, students stay inside and use dichotomous keys to become a “tree-tective". They work to identify different local trees using their leaf and seed examples. The second activity is an outside hike through the woods where students will look for examples of the different stages of the tree life cycle and unique features of trees.

II. Correlation to MN Science Standards

1. Describe and sort plants into groups in many ways, according to their physical characteristics and behaviors. (2.4.1.1.1)
2. Recognize that plants need space, water, food and air and they fulfill these needs in different ways. (2.4.2.1.1)
3. Describe the characteristics of plants at different stages of their life cycles. (2.4.3.1.1)
4. Identify common groups of plants and animals using observable physical characteristics, structures and behaviors. For example: Sort and identify common Minnesota trees based on leaf/needle characteristics. (3.4.1.1.2)

III. Science Vocabulary (*denotes a Quarry Hill vocabulary word)

Observe Trunk Circumference Roots Branch Bud Leaf

Leaf Margin Needles Deciduous Coniferous

Annual cycle Adult tree Sapling Seedling Senescent Tree (Decaying tree)

Tree Rings Early wood Late wood Dormancy

After completion of one of these programs please fill out and submit our evaluation form. You may fill it out and submit it online, or print it out and mail it to Quarry Hill Nature Center. Thank you for your time!