Session Outline

• Discuss the life cycle of a common tree or plant with the children. • How do trees change throughout the year? • Describe some of the trees in your outdoor learning area together. Can you name the season just

by looking at the trees? • Are there any trees which do not fit into this pattern? Why do you think this is? (Evergreen) • Give the children parts of an evergreen and parts of deciduous tree/ bush to compare in a group

(E.g. branch, twig, leaves etc). (Check that the species is safe to handle beforehand.) • What are the similarities and differences in texture, appearance, shape, shade, size, patterns etc. • Can they decide which they think is evergreen and which is deciduous and why? • Can they locate the two species in their outdoor learning area? Does the actual tree help them to

decide further? • Give the children plant/ tree ID charts to see of they can figure out the species & which is

evergreen or deciduous. • Confirm with the children the species names and which is evergreen/ deciduous. • Can they describe further differences between the two types of trees and the reasons behind

them now they know which is which? Differentiation HA - Look carefully at the differences between the deciduous and evergreen tree/ bush. Do any features help you to explain the hardiness of evergreen and why they don’t lose their leaves in the winter? LA- Concentrate on less aspects, e.g. just the colour or texture. Extension Point out other evergreen and deciduous trees in your outdoor area. Can they compare different evergreen species and different deciduous species? Are there patterns within and between the two types of trees?

Session Objectives Children will be know the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees and are able to identify examples in their outdoor learning area. Resources • The science behind deciduous &

evergreen (scroll down) • Tree & Plants ID charts (See

Species ID section of this website) Key Vocabulary seed, shoot, root, leaf, bud, twig, flower, berry, fruit, branch, shape, colour, size, pattern, features, life cycle, evergreen, deciduous. Risk Assessments

Generic Site RA

Curriculum Links

Science: (Y1) Observe changes across the four seasons; Observe and describe weather associated with the seasons and how day length varies; Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees; Identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees. (KS1 SE) Identifying and classifying; Observing closely, using simple equipment; Gathering and recording data to help in answering questions.

Learning Outcomes

LA - Children will know the difference between evergreen and deciduous

trees.

MA - Children will be able to describe in detail the difference between evergreen and deciduous

trees.

HA - Children will be able to describe in detail the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees and use this to

explain their differences throughout the seasons.

www.outdoorlearningmadeeasy.co.uk ©

Deciduous &

EvergreenKS1

TOPICS

KS1SCIENCE PLANTS

www.outdoorlearningmadeeasy.co.uk ©

Read below to learn about the science behind deciduous and evergreen trees…

The science bit A tree’s leaves help the plant to make energy for growth through a process called photosynthesis. The leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air and together with sunlight and water taken in by the roots, they help to provide food for the plant. A chemical called chlorophyll aids this process. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green colour. In winter, the days are colder and there is little sunlight for effective photosynthesis.

Can you spot any Evergreen and Deciduous trees

outside?

Evergreen Trees In contrast, evergreen trees keep most of their leaves during the winter. They have special leaves, usually like long needles, or with tough waxy surfaces, which are more resistant to cold and moisture loss. Evergreens may continue to photosynthesise and grow slowly during the winter as long

as they get enough water. Evergreens do lose their leaves, but this is more gradual throughout the whole year, rather than in one go during the Winter.

Deciduous Trees As the days get colder and darker in the Winter, deciduous trees rest and the green chlorophyll disappears from leaves, which causes them to change colour. The deciduous trees shed their leaves and remain dormant until spring. (A little bit like tree-hibernation!).

Deciduous &

EvergreenKS1

TOPICS

KS1SCIENCE PLANTS