Lesson Plan

Biodiversity: Plant Identification

Two female rangers taking measurements and observations in a forest.

Grade Level:: Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:: Literacy and Language Arts,Science
Lesson Duration:: 30 Minutes

Essential Question

➔ What are the different plants/bushes/trees in our outdoor classroom?
➔ How can leaves help us identify the different plants/bushes/trees?
➔ How can we help others to identify these

Objective

Students will use attributes of leaves to identify schoolyard/nearby trees & shrubs.
Students will create a field guide to schoolyard/nearby trees & shrubs

Preparation

Collect a variety of plant & tree field guides (both student & adult) Download the Seek app on student iPads (if area is on school grounds/in wifi range.) Choose 4-6 different trees or shrubs in your outdoor classroom area. Shrubs are a better height for students to really see their leaves up close; though in the fall, fallen leaves can be used if matched to the correct tree. Use the Plant ID Cards provided if there are some of those trees are in your area or make your own with a photograph of a leaf and the whole bush/tree for the ones you choose. Then make a set of the cards you will use for each group/partnership.