“At least one pine tree should be studied in the field. Any species will do, but the white pine is the most interesting….the leaves and cones may be studied in the schoolroom, each pupil having a specimen.”
Handbook of Nature Study, page 674
The wonderful thing about a pine tree study is that you can do it at any time of the year. Since they are evergreen, you can examine the needles even when there is snow on the ground. After that, look at the bark and find some cones too! Have a great time using the suggestions in the Outdoor Hour Challenge linked below and the lesson in the Handbook of Nature Study.
Winter Pine Tree Nature Study – Handbook of Nature Study Lesson 185 pages 670-675
Check the Handbook of Nature Study index for other tree related challenges for winter.
From the Original Challenge: Simple Suggestions for Pine Tree Study:
- What is the general shape of the pine tree?
- Is there one central stem running straight up through the center of the tree to the top?
- What color is the bark? Is the bark ridged or in scales?
- Study the pine leaves. Why are they called needles? How many needles in the bundle?
- Does it have a cone?
Make sure to click the link below to read the entire Outdoor Hour Challenge with helpful links, nature study ideas, and suggested follow-up activities.
Winter Pine Tree Nature Study – Handbook of Nature Study Lesson 185 pages 670-675
If you’re a member here on the Handbook of Nature Study, you can download the Bark Patterns Notebook Page and use it as part of your tree study.
A custom notebook page for this challenge is available in the Ultimate Naturalist Library membership in the Winter Ebook. Log into your membership and scroll down to the ebook download link.
Amazon.com links to tree books I own and love!
A Walk in the Boreal Forest
My Favorite Tree- Click over to see my entry for this awesome book that also includes a free printable!
