Trees are a Treat

In a recent Dr. Who episode, trees saved the planet.  In the TV show, they grew up overnight. While in real life, trees grow much more slowly, they still save planet Earth. (Notice how the word “plant” resembles “planet” ?). Explore these Internet websites – and save a tree in the process.

 

CONNECT:

·         4H Virtual Forest has fun and colorful information about forest. The site has several forest related sections such as photosynthesis, how to measure trees, how city building affects forests, tree harvesting, and much more. There are also fun videos to watch and games to play. http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualforest/
·         Learn all about how trees help make your world a better place. This site tells you what trees eat, why the leaves fall off in the fall, and more. http://www.inhs.illinois.edu/resources/tree_kit/student/
·         Pure maple syrup is made by concentrating the slightly sweet sap of the sugar maple tree. Learn how to harvest and process this tree food product at http://www.massmaple.org/how.php
·         Paper University explains about paper, papermaking, recycling, trees, forestry, careers, field trips, art and science activities using paper, history of paper, and other paper topics: http://www.tappi.org/paperu/welcome.htm

 

CREATE:

·         This is a fun and interactive site all about trees. You can create your own tree designs too. http://www.treetures.com/Meet1.htm
·         Why do leaves change color in the fall? Find the answer, and learn how plants prepare for winter. Also try three leaf-color science experiments at this website: http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
·         Check out trees first hand by hiking. http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2013/10/lets-learn-trees-video/ helps prepare you, and suggests fun activities along the way
·        Carved from mature cedar trees by the Native people of the Northwest Pacific coast, totem poles exemplify the region's Native American art forms. Try your own hand at designing one. http://users.imag.net/~sry.jkramer/nativetotems/default.html.

 

CARE:

·         What are reasons for planting a tree? What are the basics of tree planting, planting seedlings, and tree care? This website includes projects such as papermaking, a forest fundraiser, and tree adoption. http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/climate/tree_planting/
·         Find out how tree farming can help the environment: http://www.realtrees4kids.org/
·         Check out this website to learn all about real Christmas trees, how they are produced, and why you should consider using real Christmas trees for your holiday celebrations. http://www.christmastrees.on.ca/virtual-tree-farm/christmas-tree-history/25.html#
·         This is the official site for Arbor Day. You can learn all about this holiday and how you can help conserve trees and how to plant a tree of your own. There is also a tree identification guide. http://www.arborday.org/kids

 

CAREERS:

From growing trees to maintaining them, harvesting them, and making products from trees: all are tree-related careers. And you can also create art, music, and writing about trees. See how life-fulfilling they are?
http://www.urbanforest.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Pages.Page/id/430
http://forestrycareers.org/
http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/jobs_overview.shtml
http://forestry.about.com/od/forestryemployment/a/become_a_forester.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/woodworkers.htm

 

Oktoberfest

Feast on the month of October.

 Connect:

Oktoberfest is a big German festival. Find out about its history and other things German at http://www.journey-to-germany.com/oktoberfest.html

Find out about Germany from the national Geographic Society at http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/Munich-For-Kids.htm

Learn some German  through games at http://www.german-games.net/
Get to know Germany through its food: http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/germany/#axzz1Kp7evGgR

 

Create:
Have fun with these Oktoberfest crafty activities: http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/seasonal/fall/oktoberfest-activities.htm
Plan your own family-friendly Oktoberfest party: http://entertaining.about.com/od/kidsparties/a/oktoberfestkids.htm
Play some Oktoberfest-inspired games: http://www.ehow.com/way_5251435_oktoberfest-games-kids.html
Plan a virtual trip to the Oktoberfest original city Munich: http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/Munich-For-Kids.htm

 Care:

One adult aspect of Oktoberfest is drinking beer. Drinking liquor is very unhealthy for youth; find out why at http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/alcohol/alcohol.html

The United States was concerned about the Berlin Wall, which divided the German people. Read about the President’s speech at http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/kennedy.html.
Read about Anne Frank, who suffered under the German Nazis: http://www.annefrank.org/

 Careers:

Have you heard of seasonal jobs? Those are jobs that are short term, usually summer or Christmas time. Here is information about seasonal jobs:
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/Clip/9852958/fox-29-business-expert-explain-seasonal-jobs