6 Learning Activities for Arbor Day

Arbor Day was first observed in the state of Nebraska on April 10, 1872, and is now celebrated by communities around the world. The holiday is a day to plant and celebrate trees. As the world’s largest plants, trees play an important role in the health of our environment. And of course, they also provide food and shelter to humans and other animals!

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‍What Is a Tree?

‍Let’s start with the basics. In this video, Let’s Botanize discusses the defining characteristics of trees, their evolution, and biological/anthropological importance.

‍Transpiration and Water Potential

‍How do plants absorb water from soil to replace water that is lost to the atmosphere? Learn more in this LabXchange pathway.

‍Methusaleh: The oldest tree in the world

‍Are trees immortal? What's the mystery of trees' immortality? ScienceABC tells us the story of Methusaleh, the single oldest living tree at over 4,800 years old.

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‍This Is Not A Pine Tree

‍Who knew? MinuteEarth explains that true pines (conifer trees in the genus Pinus) are often confused with other members of the Pinaceae family like Picea (Spruces), Abies (Firs), Pseudotsuga (Douglas-firs) or Larix (Larches). So, it is very likely that your Christmas tree is not a pine.

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‍Tree Cover Loss

‍Global Forest Watch

offers the latest data, technology, and tools that empower people everywhere to better protect forests. In this interactive map, you can explore tree cover loss worldwide from 2001 to 2020.

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‍Trees of South Texas

‍This video includes a few common and uncommon shrubs of deep South Texas, featuring a cameo by a Texas Tortoise. Heads up: like many videos from Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, this video may contain strong language!

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Want to learn more?

There are plenty of other free learning resources in the LabXchange library. We hope to see you there! In the meantime, you’ll find us outside, hugging a tree.