Outdoor Education Commons^™

Learning With Street Trees, Sigrun Wolff Saphire

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Learning With Street Trees is an original curriculum for fourth and fifth grade students written by Sigrun Wolff Saphire. The curriculum's eight lessons span the school year from fall to early summer. In each season, fall, winter, spring, and early summer, students work with a number of street trees near their school. They engage in nature observation and drawing, data collection, and interpretation. They practice critical thinking, problem-solving, cooperation, and communication. Throughout the curriculum, the development of science-inquiry skills combines with art making and hands-on tree stewardship. The curriculum culminates in student-initiated community projects.