Here are some Tree and Leaf Science activities for Preschool and Pre-K children.
Oak Tree Life Cycle Cards
These cards can be used to show children the life cycle of an oak tree: from
Leaf Symmetry
This activity is set up in my Science Center during our Forest theme unit in the Fall.
The wooden bowl contains unbreakable mirrors. I collected several leaves of different shapes and cut the leaves in half. Show children how to place the mirror on the cut edge of the leaf, and they will see what looks like a whole leaf.
Leaf Impressions with Play Dough
Children roll out the play dough, flat
Nut Sorting
This science center activity is great for the Fall, especially during a study of trees. Children use tongs to pick up each nut and sort the four types of nuts into the four wooden bowls. This activity integrates math, science, and fine motor skills.
Science Center Display: Things That Come From Trees
Nature collections are great for the science center. This is a collection I set up during our Forest unit because we learn all about trees, leaves, and animals that live in trees.
For this display, I have a variety of tree nuts in jars. There are walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, and pecans in jars. There are some leaves, pinecones, and acorns collected from a tree near our school. One word of caution: when you collect acorns from outside, you should “quarantine” them for a few days by putting them in a sealed jar. Acorns sometimes have worms inside them.
In this photo, I have a tree “cookie” and other tree pieces are from our set of Tree Blocks. (I highly recommend Tree Blocks.) The pear tree branches have tiny flower buds on them. This was taken in the Spring. When the children noticed the buds on the pear tree, we brought these in to add to our science center. A display of “things that come from trees” can be used in any season of the year.
Extend the Activity
Think of tree items from your local region that you could add to your collection. Your area might have peach trees or apple trees, and you could add the seeds and the actual fruit. You could include small branches from a variety of trees for children to compare. You could add a variety of leaves of different shapes and colors. You could include pine cones of different shapes and sizes. If you do not have a variety of pine cones in your area, they can sometimes be purchased in craft stores.
For more leaf and forest activities, check the Forest category page.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so appreciative for the oak tree life cycle pics I found here. I have been searching and was ready to just find clip art and create my own. Thank you! You saved me a lot of time!:)
That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks Sarah!
I’m am so happy I receive your newsletter. I decided to use the song from the book Rolling On for the finale of the PreK Musical at our Montessori Magnet school, here in Ft. Lauderdale and it was a huge it. About 80 PreK children now know this song and we have had such fun rocking to the music. Thank you for all your contributions. I have been teaching PreK for 30 years and love receiving new ideas.
Nancy
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am teaching Kindergarten for the first time and I am a bit overwhelmed so your Oak tree life cycle is very much appreciated.
Thank you soooo much. This is perfect for our plant unit.
Thank you so much. Honestly, I have learn a lot from this website. Thank you for haveing a goal become a reality.
Thank you for the time and effort you have put into this site. I coach Kindergym and often use ‘Prekinders.com’ for inspiration and resources when planning themes and activities.
THanks SO much for this great resource. Used it to teach sunday school about Christ’s life growing in us. Thanks again.
Thanks, Shannon. Neat idea.
Thank you so much for the printable this will help my children know the cycle of a tree.
You have alot of good ideas that are very helpful thank you.
Hi! Karen this is nancy . I am doing a lesson plan about leaves. I like your idea about going on a nature walk and collect leaves. The children will come inside the class and will put the fresh leaves they have collected n a tray and day by day they will see the changes n transfer the leaves to another tray. I am having a hard time with my objectives, instructional activity, procedures because they all have to match my standars. Do you have any ideas or sugestions. Thank you very much.
Great work Karen. These cards are of immense use to a pre – school teacher like me.
Greetings! I think the materials I have down-loaded from your site have contributed to the increased attention span of my kids.Thank you, thank you, thank you from the kids, my co-teacher and me!
IVRiesterer
I rally love your great ideas. I use them in my kinder and day care site and kids en enjoy them very much!
Thnaks a lot for the weekly news letter.
Thank you for all your ideas, my toddler loves it!