STEM Activity: Tree-rific Scavenger Hunt

Did you know there are over 3 trillion trees on Earth? This means there is an average of 400 trees per person on the planet. Trees help keep our air and water clean and provide habitats for native wildlife. They also offer shade from the sun on hot days, and can be used in medicines and supply nutritious foods like fruits and nuts.

Five billion trees are planted every year, but that number is too small compared to the 15 billion trees cut down annually. National Arbor Day, which is celebrated in all 50 states, represents hope for our planet’s future through forest restoration and protection efforts.

Explore the trees in your community with this tree-rific scavenger hunt!

Materials Needed

• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Ruler or measuring tape

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Identify an outdoor location where you can complete your scavenger hunt. It should have different types of trees and plenty of open space for exploring. Consider visiting an arboretum, a garden specializing in trees or a local park!
    
2. Review the scavenger hunt items listed below and choose 10 or more to explore:
   • A tree with peeling or missing bark
   • A tree stump
   • A tree with round leaves
   • A tree with fruit
   • A tree with nuts or seeds
   • A leaf with a width of 4 inches or more
   • A leaf with a length of 6 inches or more
   • A tree with flowers in bloom
   • An evergreen tree with needle-like leaves
   • A tree with an animal nest (e.g., bird nest, wasp nest)
   • A tree with fungi or mushrooms growing on it
   • A dead tree
   • A tree with green or yellow leaves
   • A tree with red or brown leaves
   • A tree with moss
   • A tree with roots sticking out of the ground
      
3. On your paper, write “Tree-rific Scavenger Hunt” across the top and list each scavenger hunt item you chose in Step 2.
    
4. Ask an adult to drive you or walk with you to the outdoor space you would like to explore. Remember to bring your “Tree-rific Scavenger Hunt” list, a pen or pencil, and a measuring tool with you!
    
5. Observe the trees and green space around you. What do you see? Cross off each scavenger hunt item as you find it.
   
   *Please be respectful of nature and the environment! Do not pull, break, or take anything off trees or other plants. If you pick up something on the ground, put it back after you finish your observations. Consider taking photos of items you find interesting or sketching them on your paper instead.
    
6. If you cannot find an item on your scavenger hunt list, think about why it might be missing. Consider the time of year, the weather, the location, and the native plants and wildlife. Where else could you search for the item(s)?
    
7. Repeat this scavenger hunt throughout the year, choosing new locations and searching for different items found in nature!

What Are We Discovering?

Since trees absorb carbon from Earth’s atmosphere, they are a key tool in addressing climate disruptions. The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees in communities around the world, emphasizes the importance of forests for the well-being of all living organisms.

Innovative solutions like advanced genetic technologies are paving the way for forests to play an even greater role in combating environmental challenges. Rodolphe Barrangou, a National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductee and co-inventor of CRISPR-enhanced food products, is applying CRISPR technology to support more sustainable forestry through breeding trees that are more resilient and better at capturing carbon. His efforts will drastically improve the quality of life for future generations!

Keep Exploring

What tree-rific solution can you dream up to support the growth and preservation of trees in your community? For more hands-on activities designed to spark your creativity, sign up to receive monthly emails with fresh ideas for exploring STEM!