Infusion of Literacy into the Science Curriculum
Book Information
Title
A Tree for All Seasons
Author
Robin Bernard
Publisher
National Geographic Society
Copyright Year
1999
IBN#
0792294351
Summary
Observing a maple tree over time, children get
a clear picture of what trees do and how
seasons change. In summer, the tree is shown
sunbathing and brimming with animal life. With
autumn comes the flowing sap that makes
maple syrup for pancakes. As winter
approaches, the tree's leaves begin to fall, and
it becomes nearly dormant.
Availability
APS Library system (Arlington Science Focus
ES, Campbell ES, Hoffman-Boston ES, Oakridge
ES); Amazon (for purchase).
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How can the book content be infused into the science curriculum?
Grade Level
K-5
Strands
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic; Life Processes; Earth Patterns, Cycle
and Change.
Kindergarten
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
K.1; K.2- Five senses, descriptions and
sequencing
Life Processes
K.6; K.7- Basic life needs, processes of plants
and animals
Earth Patterns, Cycle and Change
K.9; K.10- Patterns; weather, animal/plant
growth, routines, change
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
1.1- Classifying, measuring, predicting
Life Processes
1.4- Plants & Animals- needs, parts,
characteristics
Earth Patterns, Cycle and Change
1.7- Weather, seasons: effects on plants,
animals
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
2.1- Measurement, classification, graphs,
unexpected data
Life Processes
2.4- Stages in animal life; flowering plants
Earth Patterns, Cycle and Change.
2.7- Effect of weather and seasonal changes on
growth and behavior
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
3.1- Making predications and observations, data
charted, drawing conclusion
Earth Patterns, Cycle and Change.
3.8- Animal/plant life cycles
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
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Grade 4
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
4.1- Hypotheses, predictions, measurement
Life Processes
4.4- Plant anatomy, reproduction,
photosynthesis
Grade 5
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
5.1- Classification key, measurement, graphing
data, variables
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Sample Activities
Grade K
After reading the book to the class, create and
label a class chart that shows the different parts of
a tree (bark, roots, crown, branches, leaves, etc.)
Take the students outside to observe a tree that
the class will visit during the school year.
Students will keep a journal to show what their
adopted tree looks like in each of the four seasons.
Students should be encouraged to label the
different parts of the tree, just like on the class
chart. Teachers may want to reference the chart
before observing their tree for each season. In
addition, students can glue or tape a leaf from
their tree during each of the seasons and write
what attributes (color, shape, size, texture) on the
page with their leaf.
Grade 3
After reading the story, students will observe two
or three different trees over the course of the
school year. Students will keep a journal
containing notes and sketches of each tree during
each of the four seasons. Students should have
access to magnifying glasses, thermometers, and
tape measures to collect data about each tree’s
attributes, the temperature when their
observations were made, and the circumference of
their tree. At the end, students will be able to
compare and contrast between the life cycles of
different trees. Some questions that might be
addressed are: How are the life cycles of your
trees the same? How are they different? How did
the temperature outside effect your tree?
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