One super-interesting nature walk activity was finding the tap
root (main root that grows straight down), lateral roots (large
roots that grow outward or laterally) and fibrous roots (fine
roots that grow downward from the lateral roots) of trees. We
took a walk near a creek where we were likely to see root
systems due to erosion. Our findings were way cool! (The
Everchanging Erosion NaturExplorers study would be great for
this topic, too. I’m just sayin’. ) After plenty of experiences
along with lots of living science literature, I gave Caleb a
“test” of sorts. He had to complete the file folder report below
to prove his knowledge of trees. (The file folder template came
from Easy File Folder Reports, Grades 3-6.) As a review before
the “test”, I had him read a wonderful little book called A Tree
is Growing by Arthur Dorros. And I can’t forget the ever-so-
interested preschooler who loves to be part of our botany
lessons. He gathered some leaves on our walk and created some
simple, but pretty, leaf prints whe