Designs in Nature: Investigate the Branching Structure of Trees

Here's how.

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

Three examples of branching structures in nature. The left picture shows a tree without leaves. The middle picture shows a stem of parsley. The right picture shows a leaf with prominent veins.

Overview

Nature 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 Alignment

This lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:

K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

This lesson focuses on these aspects of NGSS Three Dimensional Learning:

Science & Engineering Practices	Disciplinary Core Ideas	Crosscutting Concepts
Developing and Using Models. Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool. Analyzing and Interpreting Data. Use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations. Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.	LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. Plants depend on water and light to grow.	Structure and Function. The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s). Patterns. Patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.