Schoolyard Tree ID Relay
In teams, students get cards with a description and drawing of the leaf, bark, or fruit of trees on campus and run to find each one, where a numbered clothespin confirms the match. Students practice observing the nearby natural environment, navigating, and running endurance.
How to play
- Setup: the teacher clips a numbered clothespin to 10–12 trees or shrubs on campus and makes one card per species with a leaf drawing and two clues.
- Intro (4 min): look at two sample trees together and point out useful features: leaf shape and edge, bark type, and fruit.
- Teams of four wait at a central base; one runner takes a card and goes with a partner to find the matching tree.
- When they find it, they write the clothespin number next to the tree's name on the sheet and return to base to tag the next pair.
- Each pair gets 3 minutes per card; if they can't find it, they return and the card goes to the bottom of the stack. Play for 15 minutes.
- Check (6 min): walk the route together past every tree to check answers and talk about why each tree matters for the schoolyard.
Rules
- Look at leaves on the ground or on low branches, but don't pull them off or climb trees.
- Run on the paths and stay out of flower beds.
- Clothespins stay where they are.
Variations
Easier
Use six very different trees and cards with a photo of the whole tree.
Standard
Ten to twelve trees with leaf cards and two clues, in pair relays.
Harder
Cards describe only the bark or fruit, with no leaf drawing, and similar-looking shrubs are added.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student records answers at base and checks cards with a field guide; the partner searches trees near firm paths.
- Visual impairment: identify bark and leaves by touch with a sighted guide.
- Fitness level: the farthest trees are worth double points.
Learning goals
- Identify local plant species by their features.
- Move efficiently and navigate a nearby natural area.
- Value and respect the school's trees as part of the environment.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 12
- clothespins: 12
- worksheets: 7
- pencils: 7
Teacher tip
If you don't know the campus trees well, ask the science department for help and make the cards together. Avoid rainy days because flower beds get trampled.
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