Introduction: From the top of the branches to the bottom of the trunk, trees are covered in bark. Under the bark, a tree
Monthly Challenge
January Introduction:
Tree Rubbings
From the top of the branches to the bottom of the trunk, trees are covered in bark. Under the bark, a tree has many more layers vital to its survival but it’s the bark that keeps it protected. Bark helps to keep a tree warm in the cold, dry from the rain, and even keep insects away that may cause damage to the tree. Depending on the kind of tree, its bark can come in different textures and shades.
Challenge:
Find three different kinds of tree bark and make a tree rubbing. Bring some crayons and the Tree Rubbing worksheet with you. When you find a tree that interests you, place your worksheet over the bark and lay your crayon flat against the paper. Rub your crayon up and down and watch the texture of the bark appear on your paper. Can you find a tree with thick bark, thin bark, smooth bark, or peeling bark? On your Tree Rubbing worksheet, work with a grown up to write down three adjectives that describe the bark. If you can find a tree with a low hanging branch make a rubbing from the trunk and the branch. How are they similar? How are they different?
Extensions: 1. Trees grow in different shapes. Some grow straight like a column; others grow their branches outward making a big circle around the trunk. As you walk around your neighborhood see if you can identify different tree shapes. When you do a tree rubbing write down the tree shape on your worksheet too. 2. Look down and around! What other materials can you find on your tree or on the ground near your tree? Do you see fallen leaves, pieces of bark, branches, pine cones, acorns, buds, etc… Is your tree completely bare? Record some of the other tree materials you find on the Tree Rubbing worksheet.
