See the woods for the trees

Trees are a basic element of Christmas, and they are a vital part of our everyday life. Explore this natural resource in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the basic facts and benefits of trees at http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/trees.htm
• Through videos, games and more explore photosynthesis, old field progression, how to measure trees, how city building affects forests, tree harvesting, and much more at http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualforest/
• Why do leaves change color in the fall? What are leaves? What do they do? Find out at http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
• Trace this timeline of the Christmas tree: http://www.reindeerland.org/christmas-tree/christmas-tree-history-timeline.htm
• Watch how maple syrup is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_YZmUrNueo
• Check out fun apple facts: information about apple trees and popular apple varieties that you might find in your lunch box. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/apples.html

CREATE:

• This is a fun interactive site all about trees. You can even create your own at http://www.treetures.com/Meet1.htm
• Discover facts and information about the artwork of Native American Indians and the authentic traditional methods they used, and how to make a totem pole at https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-indian-art/how-to-make-a-totem-pole.htm
• Try these family-friendly tree crafts: http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Tree-Crafts-for-Kids.html
• What food comes from trees? Find out at http://globaltrees.org/threatened-trees/tree-values/food/, and taste some of them.
• Would you like to make things with wood? Try these: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/woodcraftsforkidsprojectsideas.html

CARE:

• 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 official site for Arbor Day explains 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 at https://www.arborday.org/
• Tree nut allergy is the second most common allergy in infants and young children. Learn about it, and how to address it at http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/tree-nut-allergy.aspx
• Use these identification guides to create a neighborhood tree trail: http://www.treeremoval.com/tree-identification/

CAREERS:

Here are 50 urban careers related to trees: http://www.urbanforest.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Pages.Page/id/430

See the forest careers through the trees at http://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/career-path/forestry-trees-timber

Dig Up the Dirt on Dirt

Dirt. It’s all around us, but do we really notice it – besides under our fingernails? Dirt is necessary for life. You'll hit pay dirt with these activities.

CONNECT:

• What’s the dirt on dirt? See this dirt-y video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if29mjcd5bc
• Not all dirt is the same. Read about the difference at http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/dirt-on-dirt.html
• Soil – the final frontier! See why at https://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/soil/
• Why does rain give off at fresh earthy small? Discover the answer at http://www.livescience.com/49520-smell-of-rain-aerosols.html
• Read animals that really dig dirt: http://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/for-world-soil-day-6-animals-that-really-dig-the-dirt

CREATE:

• Tour the underground, and dig into dirt: http://archive.fieldmuseum.org/undergroundadventure/
• (Dirty) Fun: Get elbow deep in some dirt! Try these kid-friendly activities: http://www.nwf.org/what-we-do/kids-and-nature/why-get-kids-outside/dirt-is-great.aspx
• Need an excuse to get dirty? From construction activities to art with dirt, explore these dirt sensory activities: http://handsonaswegrow.com/30-dirty-kid-activities/
• Go eat dirt?? Here’s a recipe for a yummy pudding that looks like dirt, complete with worms: http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/cafe/dirtpudding.html
• Play dirt detective at http://www.history.org/kids/games/dirtdetective.cfm

CARE:

• Let kids eat dirt. So says Time magazine: http://time.com/2828841/why-you-should-let-kids-eat-dirt/
• But there are also hazards in eating dirt. Know what’s good and bad about it: http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/News/NewsAndFeatures/Pages/The-hazards-and-benefits-of-eating-dirt.aspx
• Celebrate the importance of mud on International Mud Day. http://www.kodokids.org/history-international-mud-day/ even shows you how to put on a mud event. It’s real hands-on fun!
• Having too much fun in the dirt? http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-dirt-and-mud-stains/ shows you how to remove dirt and mud stains.
• Be a part of the KidsGardening Movement: https://www.kidsgardening.org/

CAREERS:

• Dig dirt? You might have the makings of an archeologist: https://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/kids/index.htm
• Or grow your career as a gardener or related fields: http://www.growcareers.info/
• Or dig into social science as a career: https://www.soils.org/careers