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