Characteristics of Trees• Trees have one main trunk• Trees usually grow taller than

shrubs• Trees have branches

What do trees do?• Trees turn carbon dioxide into

oxygen through photosynthesis• Trees provide habitat for animals• Trees give shade• Trees prevent soil erosion

Trees are Deciduous or Coniferous

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-deciduous-and-coniferous-trees.html

Parts of a Tree

Parts of a Tree

• Roots• Trunk• Branches• Twigs• Crown

Leaf Scavenger Hunt1. Collect 3 - 5 different leaf samples.

Samples may be from trees or shrubs.2. Take just one sample of each type of leaf

and be careful not to damage the plants.3. Identify each leaf type using the leaf

diagrams. 4. Use the leaf type to determine whether

the plant is deciduous or coniferous. 5. Draw the leaves, label the parts and

record your observations in your science journal.

LeavesDeciduous trees have broadleaves than may be different shapes.

Leaves may be either alternate or opposite on the twigs

The shape of a leaf is one of the characteristics of the tree that scientists use to identify the tree.

http://www.shmoop.com/plant-biology/leaf-structure.html

Needles & Scale-like LeavesConiferous trees have needles or scale-like leaves.

Scientists use the needle shape and arrangement to identify the tree.

http://printablecolouringpages.co.uk/?s=parts+of+a+leaf

Field Guide to Tongass TreesUse this guide to complete the mystery tree challenge. Start on the first page, decide whether the sample is deciduous or coniferous then follow the clues. Once you think you know the tree use the description to check and provide evidence for your answer.

Deciduous or Coniferous?Look at the leaves for clues

Coniferous Needles or scale-like leaves

Deciduous Broadleaf or no leaf in winter

What type of leaf?

Red Alder• Simple leaf• Leaves oval shaped with toothed edges • Bright green and greyish underneath• Long drooping catkins• Short brown cones

Western Red Cedar• Leaves scale-like• Opposite in pairs• Drooping from twigs• Smell when crushed• Seed cones 1cm with pairs of scales• Pollen cones small and reddish

Shore Pine• Needles in bunches of 2• Needles 2.5 – 4 cm long• Growing all sides of the twig• Usually dark green• Cones cylindrical to egg shape

Sitka Spruce• Single needles• Needles light green to bluish green• Stiff, sharp needles 1 – 2.5 cm long• Needles grow in spirals all around the twig• Seed cones hang from crown of trees• Seed cones are reddish brown and toothed• Pollen cones are red

Western Hemlock• Linear needles • Needles glossy green on top, pale and dull underneath • Needles nearly flat, short 0.5 – 1cm• Uneven length needles make feathery sprays• Many small seed cones green – reddish brown

Did you find these trees?

What did trees mean to Alaska’s Native People?

Tongass: Last American Rainforestby Shelley Gill

How were trees used?• Shelter• Totem Poles• Halibut hooks• Bentwood boxes• Spruce root hats• Cedar Bark baskets• Canoes• Smoking Salmon

How did native people feel about trees?

• Respect for trees• Rituals for taking bark,

planks or leaves• Tools decorated with

images to please the trees

• A bond between people and the forest

• Trees have souls

How do we use trees today?

What did we learn?