Lesson Idea | Lesson Plan: Planting a Tree

Goal: Students will research native trees and plants where they live, and the significance of those plants to the habitat. The students will then participant in a service project planting trees in their community to gain an understanding of stewardship.

Assessment: Students will participant in a service project in their own community to gain understanding of stewardship. Students will also learn about basic plant needs.

Age Group: Grades 1-3.

Time: 1-2 hours.

Materials:

- Tree saplings
- Soil
- Shovels
- Hoses or watering cans and a water source
- Hand lenses
- Bug boxes (optional)

Background Information for Teachers

In addition to the beauty, shade and habitat trees provide, they create oxygen and contribute to clean air. Many communities in the United States encourage volunteers to help plant and care for trees. It's important to select trees native to where you live. Native trees occur naturally in a particular area. They provide food and shelter for native animals. Invasive tree species originate elsewhere and are brought to an area by people, often accidentally. Invasive species have survival and reproductive characteristics that out-compete native plant species, so they can take over habitats formerly occupied by native plants. A common example of an invasive tree species is the Amur maple in Minnesota, native to China, Manchuria, and Japan.

Preparation

- Research which native trees grow best in local parks, neighborhoods or schoolyards.
- Contact plant nurseries for advice about where, when and how to plant and care for trees. Ask them to donate saplings.
- Obtain necessary permission to plant trees.
- Contact local utility companies to avoid planting where there are hidden pipes or cables.
- Optional: Inquire at local nurseries, park agencies or rental companies about whether they can donate an auger (machine that digs holes quickly) and someone to operate it.

For further information, please visit Dakota Valley Recycling website.