Parts of a Giving Tree

Learning Targets

Students can label the parts of a tree and tell what they do.

Educators Information

• Roots-absorb nutrients
• Stems- provide support
• Leaves- synthesize food
• Flowers- attract pollinators and produce seeds for reproduction

Procedure

Day 1
1. Students take pencil, clipboard and blank paper outside and sketch the tree of focus.

2. Students label the parts they know. Teacher records what students know on an anchor chart.

3. Teacher creates student groups and allows students to choose a part of the tree to research.

4. Students research and complete a Circle Map about their part of the tree.

Day 2
1. Students finish up their circle maps and share out loud with the class.

2. Teacher adds what students learned to anchor chart.

3. As a closing activity, teacher reads aloud The Giving Tree and has class discussion that connects the parts of a tree to the story.

4. Assessment: In a science journal or piece of paper, have students list all 4 major plant parts and write at least 1 sentence that describes its’ function.

Supplemental Reading

I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All About Trees (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) by Bonnie Worth

Extensions

Early finishers may compare and contrast parts of a tree to parts on a plant using a Venn
Diagram.

Resources

• http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/trees.htm
• http://ecosystems.psu.edu/youth/sftrc/lesson-plans/forestry/k-5/tree-parts
• https://www.ncforestry.org/teachers/parts-of-a-tree/
• Circle Maps https://learn.teachingchannel.com/video/circle-maps-nea