GSWP TREE PATCH FOR BROWNIES

Introduction

Trees are a necessary part of our environment,  They provide shade, paper, and the oxygen we breathe.   There are many things that you can do to save the trees in your neighborhood.

Complete 4 activities in order to complete your patch.

1. Tree Rubbing

   Trees can also be identified by their bark.  Take a piece of paper and a pencil and find some trees in your neighborhood.  Place the paper flat against the bark and color over it with the pencil.  What happens? Make a collection of rubbings the same way that you did the leaves.  Share then with your troop.  See if they can d\identify the trees just from the rubbing.



2. Leaf Identification

   Choose any leaf and look at it carefully.  Make a diagram of the leaf and its parts by using a book and your own knowledge to help you.  Trace the leaf if it is easier.  Show your work to the other girls in your troop.  Ask them to point out things that you may have forgotten. Teach them things they don’t know about leaves.

3. Your Tree

   Find a tree in your yard or neighborhood that you really like.  Choose one of its leaves and draw it or write about it.  Observe the tree.  What happens to the tree as the seasons change?  During what season do you like your tree the best?   Do any animals such as birds or squirrels live in your tree? Are there any nests or holes in the tree? Do you know what made them?  Look for plants around the tree, but watch out for poison ivy!!!

4. Leaf Collection

   Trees have many different types of leaves and can be identified by them.  The leaves are the factories of the tree.  They take carbon dioxide and light from the air around them and water from the roots to make food for the tree.  You can make a leaf collection with this activity.

   You will need:

   1. Several pieces of black or white construction paper ( or whatever color will allow your leaves to show up better)
   2. Something to put your leaves in ( like a basket)
   3. A thin marker
   4. Tape
   5. A hole puncher
   6. Colored string
   7. A Leaf book ( optional )

   Now:

   1. Go for a walk around your yard or neighborhood and collect leaves from as many different types of trees as you can.  Try to have at least 10.
   2. Tape them onto the pieces of paper.  There should be about 2 or 3 to a page.
   3. Label them neatly by using your own knowledge or a leaf book.
   4. Keeping the pages together, punch three holes into the paper.
   5. Pass the string through the holes and tie a bow or knot.

   Now your collection is complete.  Share your collection with the other girls in your troop.  Maybe you can combine your collections to make one big troop booklet of leaves.



5. Leaf Prints

   Leaf prints are a fun way to decorate bags, clothing, or anything else that is plain.  You will need:

   1. A bag or clean shirt or a piece of paper
   2. A rolling pin or artist’s roller
   3. Assorted acrylic paints
   4. Newspaper
   5. A smock
   6. Pie plates

   Now:

   1. Lay the newspaper on a flat surface.
   2. Lay the bag, shirt, etc on the newspaper
   3. Place a small amount of paint into a pie plate.  Use a different color for each plate.
   4. >Take one leaf and gently press it into the paint.
   5. Place the leaf onto the bag, shirt, etc. and gently roll over it with the rolling pin.
   6. Carefully lift the leaf and throw it away.

      DO NOT REUSE LEAVES UNLESS YOU WANT TO MIX COLORS

   7. Continue making prints until the whole surface is covered.
   8. Wear your shirt or carry your Girl Scout books in your bag. Proudly display your useful work of art!!!
6. Scavenger Hunt

   Using this list or one you made up, go on a scavenger hunt for leaves.  Use what you know about leaf shape and bark to identify the trees. ( Leaders : Borrow a Field Guide to Trees from your library)

   • Maple
   • Sycamore
   • Lilac
   • Beech
   • Tulip
   • Birch
   • Palm
   • Alder
   • Chestnut
   • Aspen
   • Oak
   • Box-elder
   • Elm
   • Buckeye
   • Elder
   • Pear
   • Apple
   • Peach
   • Cherry
   • Poplar
   • Pin- oak
   • White pine
   • Spruce
   • Japanese maple
   • Dogwood
   • Hemlock

   If you cannot find some of these trees, don’t worry; certain trees only grow in certain areas.

   Now that you have complete this patch, why not try the Try It-Plants!!!