ALL ABOUT TREES

Lesson for 4th grade

The Seed

Seeds can come in many different shapes, sizes, and even colors.

Planting the seed is the first step in the life cycle of a tree.

It is important to pick the right spot to plant your seed.

Seeds to Trees

Bitternut Hickory Seed and Tree

Kentucky Coffee Seeds and Tree

(Images from: cirrusimage.com troymi.gov http://www.fillmoreswcd.org/Seed_pics.htm)

Germination

Healthy trees have to go through germination.

Germination is when the tree begins growing out of the seed.

The seed needs water, oxygen and the right temperature.

First the roots will begin to grow.

Then the shoot will begin to stick up from the soil.

(Image from: secretlives.wordpress.com)

It might take a while so be patient!

Poor Germination

(Image from: dacnet.nic.in)

Poor germination is when the plant or the seed is damaged.

Overwatering can cause the plant to die.

Planting the seed to deep can cause it to die.

Sometimes the seeds are too hard and the water can’t get in.

Water

Water is very important to a tree. Watering a seed is very important but

overwatering it can kill it. You can check your soil by putting your

finger an inch in it, if it feels dry then you can water it.

It is important to use a watering can. Trees will take in the water from their

roots and once they grow the water will also go in through the leaves.

What is Soil?

Soil is not just plain old dirt. Soil is made up of living and non-

living things. Soil is made up of rocks, water, air,

and leaves. It provides all the nutrients a plant

needs to grow.

(Image from: harvestwizard.com)

The Growing Begins

(Image from: ottawahort.org)

The stem of the tree will start to get harder.

The branches will start to show.

Leaves will begin to grow.

It will start looking more and more like a tree.

Parts of a Tree

Parts of the tree

include:

The trunk

Leaves

Roots

Branches

Stems

& Buds.

(Image from: blog.growingwithscience.com)

The Tree Trunk

The trunk is the main stem of the tree.

It supports the tree. Branches grow

from the trunk. The trunk is

covered in bark. Bark is hard and

protects the tree.

(Image from: malcolmxpark.org)

Inside the Trunk

The inside of the trunk can tell a lot about the tree.

If you chop a tree over the inside of the tree will have rings.

These rings can tell the age of the tree, different seasons, and scars from major disasters.

(Image from: serc.carleton.edu)

Leaves

Leaves are very important to any plant. Leaves are natures “food factories” They make food for the trees to live off

of. Leaves can come in many different

colors and shapes. Making food for the trees is the job of

the leaf. Photosynthesis takes place in the leaf.

What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process of making food for the plant.

Step 1: Plants take in water and a gas called carbon dioxide.

Step 2: The plant uses the sun to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. (Glucose is a type of sugar plants need for food & energy)

Step 3: The plant gives off oxygen.

(Image from: sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html)

More About Leaves

When fall arrives the sun isn’t out as much and days are shorter.

Without the sun the leaves can’t do their job of making food.

Chlorophyll is what makes the leaves green.

Chlorophyll also helps photosynthesis happen.

Since the sun isn’t out as much the chlorophyll begins to fade away and the leaves start to die.

Before the leaves fall we get to see their beautiful colors

Leaves of All Colors

Leaves can be shades of red, green, yellow, orange and even purple.

(Image from: greenerloudoun.wordpress.com)

(Image from: highhamptoninn.com)

(Image from: pcc_stationery.homestead.com)

Roots

Roots are very important to the tree.

They are the anchor and support of the tree.

They absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Roots can run very deep into the ground.

Branches & Stems

The branch is connected to the trunk.

Branches are important because the stems grow off of them.

Branches can be big or small.

Stems support the leaves.

They are usually divided.

The stem can store nutrients for the tree.

It can also transport fluids from one place in the tree to another

Branches Stems

Tree Buds

Buds can look many different ways.

The bud is where a flower or fruit will start growing.

Buds start to show up in the Spring or Summer.

(Image from: nhfruitgrowers.org)

Apple Buds!

More Facts About Trees

Trees can grow as fast as an inch a day or take many years to grow.

Trees offer fruits, medicines, and other valuable things.

The tallest tree was recorded to be 500 feet tall.

Christmas trees can take up to 15 years to grow!

Words to Remember!

Seeds Germination Poor germination Overwatering Soil Trunk Bark Rings Photosynthesis Carbon dioxide

Glucose Chlorophyll Roots Branches Stem Buds

Sites Used

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/gpe/case2/c2brief.html

http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5452731_tree-kids.html