Lesson Idea | K-5 Stewardship Lessons
Introduction
Along with helping students develop a sense of connection with trees and a stewardship ethic toward them, teachers can also connect lessons in science, math, and environmental literacy to stewardship tasks. These hands-on lessons can help turn abstract concepts into real and engaging activities for students. Green Schoolyards America has gathered lessons and activities here that were developed by established organizations and practitioners in the field of outdoor education.
There are also many opportunities for nature play and discovery as young children care for their forest, whether it is playing with sparkling water drops, finding bugs amongst the weeds, or using pruned branches for imaginary animal shelters, forts, or flagpoles.
Watering
These engaging activities help students explore how plants take in, transport, and use water. Through role-play, experiments, and hands-on investigations, students learn about tree structures, leaf veins, transpiration, soil moisture, and water movement on different surfaces. Suitable for grades K-5, these lessons promote observation, teamwork, and scientific inquiry.
Weeding
These activities help students explore plant structures, root systems, and seed dispersal through hands-on investigations and role-play. By examining uprooted weeds and engaging in interactive games, students gain a deeper understanding of plant adaptations and their role in ecosystems. Suitable for grades K-5.
Mulching
These activities introduce students to the benefits of mulch, decomposition, and soil moisture conservation. Through experiments, math applications, and creative games, students explore how mulch affects water retention, plant health, and even serves as a playful learning material. Suitable for grades K-5.
Raking and Sweeping
Students explore decomposition by observing and sequencing leaves in various stages of breakdown. This hands-on activity helps them understand natural recycling processes in the environment. Suitable for grades K-5.
Monitoring Tree Health
These activities help students assess tree health through observation, data collection, and problem-solving. By examining leaf conditions, identifying insect damage, and surveying trees for disease, students develop scientific inquiry skills while learning about ecosystems and food chains. Suitable for grades K-5.
Lesson Idea | K-5 Stewardship Lessons
- Free
Green Schoolyards America turns school grounds into green spaces for kids to learn, play, and grow. They work to help schools, communities, and nature through research, policy, and support programs.
Price and shipping costs are indicative. Please click on the buy button to see the exact price.