Designs in Nature: Investigate the Branching Structure of Trees
Grade Range
Kindergarten-2nd
Group Size
Pairs
Active Time
1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 40 minutes
Area of Science
Plant Biology
Key Concepts
Structure and function in nature, branching, tree
Learning Objectives
- Identify common shapes and patterns that occur in nature.
- Make drawings of branching patterns based on a natural object.
- Explain the function of branching patterns in trees and other living organisms.
Credits
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
![]() OverviewNature is full of objects with many different shapes. Some of these shapes display obvious regularities or distinct patterns, such as stripes, waves, symmetry, or spirals. Each of these natural patterns has evolved over a very long time and serves a specific function that usually helps a plant, animal, or other organism to survive. In this lesson plan, students explore the branching pattern of trees, plants, and leaves. They will make drawings and a leaf rubbing to compare different branching patterns and do an experiment to investigate why this structure could be useful for a tree or other organisms. NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() Materials for educator:
Materials for each group of 2 students:
Reviews |
Grade Range
Kindergarten-2nd
Group Size
Pairs
Active Time
1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 40 minutes
Area of Science
Plant Biology
Key Concepts
Structure and function in nature, branching, tree
Credits
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
Learning Objectives
|
Explore Our Science Videos
How to Build a Brushbot
|
Make Fake Snow - Craft Your Science Project
|
How to Make Elephant Toothpaste
|