NEIGHBORHOOD STREET TREE SURVEY

OBJECTIVE: Identify and measure different types of trees.

GRADE: 5th - 8th grade

MATERIALS: Magazine pictures, measuring device, thick string, scissors

PROCEDURE:

• Gather pictures of trees from magazines and classify by type
• Obtain a tape measure or make one from a thick string. The string should be marked in 3 3/16 inch sections: 3 3/16 inches = 1inch diameter
• Students take a walking field trip, identifying and measuring trees
• Keep a log of the trees and their diameter

PARENT/CHILD EXPERIENCE: Parents can take a walking field trip with their children repeating the activity.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Botanists divide trees into two groups: conifer trees with cones and needle or awl-shaped leaves. Most trees are evergreens, such as (spruce, pine, fir and cedar) and broadleaf (leaves are broad, flat and in many shapes) and may bear (fruit, flowers or nuts, such as oak, maple, or palm) Evaluation: Students learn to identify conifer and broadleaf trees and determine the diameter of trees.