Join OSMP naturalists on this Open Space adventure and schoolyard/neighborhood investigation. Students discover how trees prepare for cold weather without the benefit of heated homes, waterproof clothing, and warming foods. Through observation, tools and activities, students explore how trees prepare for winter on open space, schoolyards and neighborhoods.
This engaging multi-media virtual field-trip includes: video lessons, hands-on activities, and schoolyard/neighborhood nature discovery activities. Spanish and English. Grades: K-3.
Visita La Vida Mágica de los Árboles en Español.
Part 1: Introduction
Welcome to Open Space and Mountain Parks Virtual Field Trip: The Magical Life of Trees.
Part 2: How Trees Prepare for Winter
Autumn is the time that trees, plants, and animals start preparing for winter. How do they know that the seasons are changing? How do we know? Become a keen observer of your neighborhood and together we will find out. During this virtual field-trip students will learn how to identify the signs of autumn.
Signs of Autumn Bingo Sheet PDF
Part 3: Nature Tree Identification Made Easy
Discover local native trees and learn tips and tricks for easy tree identification. Through observation, touch, smell and listening, students will get to know local trees often found on schoolyards, neighborhoods and open space.
Native Tree Guide PDF (contact OSMP Education Team to inquire about color copies)
Part 4: Trees Eat Sunlight – Photosynthesis Explained
Trees cannot hunt, forage, or go to the grocery store. So how do trees eat? Students discover how trees have developed the remarkable ability to make their own food.
Part 5: Trees and Seeds
Have you ever wondered why trees make seeds? And why are there so many pinecones on a tree and so many seeds in a pinecone? Through observation of a variety of pinecones and seed pods native trees create, students discover why trees make so many seeds.
Part 6: Trees and Animals
Discover how trees and animals work together and depend on each other for their survival. Together we will learn the various ways our native animals benefit from trees and how they, in turn, help trees grow.
Part 7: Nature Discovery Nests and Birds
The best place to start birding is in your own neighborhood and the best time to discover bird and squirrel nests is in the winter. Learn tips and tricks for neighborhood nature discovery and find what is hidden in your schoolyard and neighborhood.
Common Boulder Birds PDF (contact OSMP Education Team to inquire about color copies)
