This picture got me thinking about trees. In this picture there is an evergreen and a deciduous tree. What is the difference between the two types of trees? Where are they commonly found.
An authentic project could be a photo-journal of types of trees. Evergreens vs. deciduous. Are all evergreens conifers? Are all conifers evergreens? Varieties of both types. Why are different trees suited for different climates? Why do deciduous trees lose their leaves?
What category does the palm tree fall into? Why is the palm suited to the tropics and subtropics (hint – hurricanes). Where are the best places to vacation in the topics? (Remember in authentic learning the point is that the child learns and grows – so if a project about trees turns into a project about vacation destinations that is authentic!)
There are also groups that will give you a sapling to plant in your yard in order to encourage tree growth. Do a search on line to find a give-away event near you. Plant a tree, learn about it, track its growth… Why are trees so important?
Years ago, if you sent in a box top from Lucky Charms cereal to General Mills, they would send you a sapling to plant in your yard (limit one per family). So true confession, we sent in many box tops and used our friends’ addresses who didn’t want trees. We planted our entire backyard with these saplings and watched them grow for the next twenty years. We no longer own that home and I couldn’t find a picture of our old backyard. But it was a fantastic authentic experience for our kids to learn about those trees and why trees are important, to plant those trees, and to watch them grow. (Please don’t report me to General Mills!)
The Educational Journey 