
Experiment
Tree passport
- ages 3–15
- 50 min
Children adopt a tree on the school grounds, measure its dimensions, and compile its official passport.
Steps
- Walk around the school campus: small groups adopt one specific tree.
- Children measure the trunk circumference using string and estimate height using the pencil method.
- They create bark rubbings using crayons on paper and collect a fallen leaf.
- They identify the exact tree species using a field guide.
- They compile a tree passport document and revisit their tree across different seasons.
Tip: Trunk circumference in centimeters divided by 2.5 provides a reasonable estimate of the tree's age.
Materials needed
- Children's tree field guide (1 copy)
- Wax crayons (1 pack per group)
- Measuring tape (1 per group)