Minnesota DNR

Backyard Soil Study

Follow along to complete a soil dissection and shake test using a scoop of dirt from your yard or neighborhood.

Tree Observations and Drawings

Follow along to learn about how to document tree observations in a Tree Journal.

Tree Buds

Watch the video to learn how to identify:

terminal buds
side buds
leaf scars

Tree Bark

Go outside and find 2-5 trees with different bark.
Write down your observations of each tree and do a bark rubbing.

Standard Unit of Measurement Lesson: Tree Circumference

Measure a tree’s circumference using estimation, their hands, and a measuring tape (or a string and ruler). Write your estimations and measurements in a science notebook.

Minnesota Conifer Tree ID

Learn about four native types of conifers and their identifying features: pine, spruce, cedar, tamarack.