Hey there, budding forest explorers!
Identified Tree Species: What's the Name of That Tree?
Wanna dive deep into the wood-filled world of our forests? Let's get to know our tree pals, shall we?
What's with different tree species, huh?
To tell one tree from another, we gotta learn their unique traits. So, pack some chips, grab your mates, and let's hit the forest, pair up, and find some Not-So-Common-Sense clues to identify various tree species.
Knowing what sets our forests' trees apart
Check this outDifferent trees stand out in various ways—from their barks being as unique as fingerprints to their leaves being as vibrant as a flag at a carnival. Here are a few examples to get you started:
- The Kahikatea (Totara trunk) sports rough, light brown bark with irregular ridges.
- The Tawa tree is known for its velvety, dark, scaly bark.
- The Karamu (Basket Willow) is recognized by its smooth, light-colored bark.
Time to sharpen our tree-spotting skills
As a group, we'll cruise through the forest at Waharoa together. You'll be on the lookout for various tree species while I help you pick out their distinctive features. We'll exchange ideas, suggestions, and observations to make this an exciting treasure hunt.
Unit plan: Part one
First, let's embark on our adventure through the forest. Your job is to work together and choose one tree species to study. I'll help you understand its cool characteristics, like what makes it stand out from its forest friends.
Don't forget to jot down your thoughts, impressions, and key points from our chats.
The hunt begins
This treasure hunt isn't the usual kind, though—there's no X marking the spot. Each tree species won't be easy to find, but with your sense of curiosity and my guidance, you'll be hot on their trail in no time!
Measure up: Part two
With your tree species all picked out, I'll assist you in gathering as much info on them as possible. No need to worry about snooping around; we'll find everything you need in plant guides and online sources.
Once you've armed yourself with knowledge, you'll need to decide the best way to present your findings—will you make a poster, create a video, or write a report?
Measure up: Part three
Now that you've got what you need to write up your discoveries, it's time to put your creative hats on. Remember, sharing knowledge with others should be fun, interesting, and informative. So, get cracking!
Share the forest love: Part four
Once you've completed your projects, you'll present them to another class within your school. To make it fair, you'll also learn about identifying native trees from that class. After all, sharing knowledge is what makes us grow!
Extra resources
If you can't get enough forest knowledge, check out these awesome websites:
- Flora Finder - University of Otago's Department of Botany
- Native Trees for Your Green Space - Department of Conservation
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Mokoro Gillett, Principal of Te Wharekura o Te Rau Aroha, and Dr. Norman Mason, Senior Scientist at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, for their insights and expertise in crafting this tree-tastic adventure.
Here are the sentences that contain the given words:
- As a group, we'll cruise through the home-and-garden of our forest, the interconnected network of trees that help create a unique lifestyle for the various forest species.
- Once you've completed your education-and-self-development projects, you'll be eager to share your discoveries about the importance of learning and caring for our native tree species within your school community.
