BACKGROUND:

If the students enjoyed the previous labs, they will be thinking about how to classify every tree and flower that they see around. The local environment will become their classroom if you can continue to help them discover the trees and flowers.

Even if you do not know your trees, it is important for students to learn to look.  They can compare bark, leaves, and the overall look of the trees.

There are many publications to help you identify your local trees and flowers, but the Internet may make it easier.  Conduct a search of local trees in your area.  Try to find out if a tree is native to the area or if an ornamental.  A local nursery may be able to help. Ask parents to help out, there is always someone who can identify plants!  

PROCEDURE:

1. Read Gary the Gardener and discuss the different tools used by Gary.  Students usually don't think about what tools can help care for a tree.  The different tools can be investigated easily as you read this poem.   You many want to include a discussion on how the human body uses tools (simple machines) to perform work.  Tools are not only helpful, but it helps take care of a tree. 
   

   Gary the Gardener

   Gary worked in his garden From early day until night His garden needed something And a tree seemed right Gary needed something sturdy Four wheels and a handle part For moving his tools and tree He chose this garden cart Gary got  his round pointed shovel To make a hole in the ground Digging out the soil was easy He noticed  he made a mound Gary used the wheelbarrow He had to balance the dirt A person shouldn’t ride in here Or else they may get hurt The tree was finally planted Gary was proud as can be And as time passed on There was a beautiful big tree The tree was growing and healthy Except wrapped around was a vine Gary needed a hand pruner He was running out of time Gary held the branch with one hand Placed the blade near its base Squeezed the handles together Then moved the vine to another place Gary was looking at the tree Weeds began to grow He knew what he needed It was a garden hoe

   Gary held the flat side of the head Kept it parallel to the ground He pulled it towards himself Till no more weeds were found Leaves fell from the tree Gary got his leaf rake He swept it like a broom A pile is what he’d make The winter season was approaching And the tree had weak limbs Pruning is a healthy method Gary thought it could use a trim Gary was surprised by this tool These loppers had strength He gripped it with two hands Gary noticed the handles length He placed the blade around the limb A nice cut did appear Other branches were thick as a  finger Was  a pruning saw near? Gary’s neighbor Nick was very kind He said, “One thing you have to do.” Make a cut close to the trunk And cut all the way through Gary’s tree stood in his garden There was a task to complete Hedge clippers  is what is needed To trim and keep his trees looking neat    It’s a tool that looks like scissors  For branches that are not thick Trim only the tips of the branches This was good advice from Nick Gary’s garden was finished Now all he had to do Was  remember to water So his plants would look new

2. Ask students to go home and find a tree they can identify with their family.  Ask them to bring in a leaf of the plant and to draw what the tree looks like.   
   You can increase your own collections, especially with pieces of branches and cones by asking the students that if they see good specimens to bring one to the classroom. Branches can be easily sawed and the ends sandpapered. If you have trouble identifying the plants consult your local nursery, they will be glad to help.
       
3. The Eyewitness book on Trees is also an excellent book, not only for the pictures but the information that it can provide the teacher. This book is recommended as a picture book.