Save the tree Tree

Save the tree Tree Trouble Organiser’s Card keep our shade About the activity This activity is designed to get children thinking about trees as habitats for other living things. There’s a debate going on in Treedwell about the fate of an old tree. Should it be demolished to make way for new housing, or will the biodiversity and the shade it provides be too precious? Through this activity you will support children to: • Discuss whether or not cutting down an old tree is a good idea and why. • Find out about the biodiversity that a tree supports, either by research or by looking for living things on and around a tree. • Write a report or produce an information poster. Kit list • Large sheet or piece of fabric • Magnifying glass • Binoculars • Clipboard, pens or pencils • Identification charts • Big net • Computer for research • Bug box What to do 1. Introduce the activity using the story. 2. Give out activity cards to the children. Encourage the children to think about all the things they know that live in or near trees. 3. Support children to conduct their investigation and make their own records of their results. Encourage them to think of more than one way of observing the tree’s biodiversity. The could record their results in a table or using drawings. 4. Ask the children to present their findings to the rest of the group, they can be as creative in their presentation as they want.

Things to think about Some trees will have more ‘life’ around them than others. However, there will be living things on any reasonable size tree. The time of day may make a difference to what children observe. Later in the afternoon, or first thing in the morning, are ideal. Encourage children to find information for themselves. However, they may need help to find simple, accessible identification guides and books. Keywords • Biodiversity • Nature • Trees • Protestors Watch out! The children should wash their hands with soap after handling the trees and any other living things. Remind the children of the rules for handling living things and for safe working outdoors. Find out more There is more information at www.opalexplorenature.org/crest British Science Association Registered Charity No. 212479 and SC039236