Week 7: Look Up! (Trees)

For our next-to-last Extended Day class, we spent some time outside observing trees. We closed our eyes and listened to the sounds of the ecosystems overhead, examined bark and leaves up-close, and noticed different life forms who make their home in trees.

The ecosystems above us!



Evan and George listen carefully to the sounds of the ecosystem.



Getting up close and personal with bark.

  

We discovered fungus growing on the bark ...

 

An insect living in the ecosystem ...

And part of a rotten tree trunk - the end of the lifecycle!



Scientists at work.
(Top photo: Hammond examining some fungus.
Bottom photo: Scientist friends, Will and George)


After discussing our findings, we talked about why trees are important to our planet. Trees have a role in:
- Maintaining the water cycle
- Producing oxygen
- Preventing erosion
- Saving energy (shading/cooling)
- Providing shelter for animals
- Providing food for animals (leaves, acorns and berries)

Then we returned inside to make a craft by recycling plastic bottles into bird feeders.  Everyone customized their bird feeder with beautiful artwork.

Maddie decorates her bird feeder.

Hunter hard at work on his bird feeder.

I hope everyone enjoys hanging their feeder at home, and observing birds in their tree habitat! 

I can't believe that next week is our last environmental exploration. I'm looking forward to celebrating with a "planet party" - we will play games about what we learned, enjoy a special snack and do some creative recycling.