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Which Tree Am I? (FBCEC) |
| Topic | Botany - Trees (Native)
Outdoor Skills - Identification |
| Summary | In this matching activity, participants will use brief written descriptions to identify some common Ozark trees. After learning characteristics to identify trees, participants will identify trees along the pavilion trail and the woodland edge trail.
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| Recommended Setting | Indoor or outdoor classroom and trails |
| Location | Fred Berry Conservation Education Center, Yellville, AR |
| Contact | Education Program Coordinator, 870-449-3484
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| Duration | 45 minutes - 1 hour |
| Suggested Number of Participants | Up to 24 |
| Special Conditions | |
| Objectives |
- Recognize common characteristics to identify trees.
- Interpret descriptions to identify trees on the “tree trail.”
- Learn about Ozark tree species.
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| Key Terms* | Compound leaf
Simple leaf
Species
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| Materials | Laminated sheet with leaf characteristics
Laminated sheet with tree descriptions
Pencil/paper (numbered 1 - 10)
“Trees of Arkansas” by Dwight Moore
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| Background | Several characteristics can help identify trees including leaf characteristics, bark, tree size and shape, fruits or seeds, flowers and habitat.
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| Procedure |
- Familiarize participants with tree identification characteristics from leaf handout and “Trees of Arkansas” by Dwight Moore.
- Quiz participants on leaf type (simple or compound) and other features used to identify trees, done with a classroom matching activity using illustrated or actual examples. Or lead participants in a bingo or scavenger game where they collect examples.
- To prepare, number selected trees along the pavilion trail and the woodland edge trail. Instruct participants to place the letter of the description (from handout) that best fits the tree next to the corresponding tree number on their paper.
- Check answers with the key. Optional: Prizes may be awarded to each team with no mistakes or the first team completed with the least mistakes, etc.
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| Review |
- Name at least four trees native to the Ozarks.
- Compare simple leaves to compound leaves.
- Describe some identifying characteristics for a white oak tree.
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| Resources | |
| Related Documents | |
| Glossary | Compound leaf – leaf that is divided into two or more distinct leaflets
Simple leaf – A leaf having one blade, or a lobed leaf in which the separate parts do not reach down to the midrib
Species – biological classification of plants and animals immediately below the genus level
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