Tree Hollows

Geography, Science

Learning intentions

We are learning how tree hollows are formed and what animals live in tree hollows.

Teacher information

This unit will teach students the importance of tree hollows for local animals and involves them researching animals that use tree hollows, locating tree hollows in their local area, and registering those hollows as part of a current citizen science project.

Non-digital Lesson: Not online? Download the lesson here.

Stage: S2, S3 KLA: Geography, Science

Watch Lisa as she introduces you to the wonderful world of tree hollows.

Video: Tree hollows (0:34 min)

Task 1: Animals and tree hollows

Watch the following videos of animals using tree hollows. See the baby powerful owl sitting the entrance to its hollow - very cool!

Powerful owl chick fledges.mp4
Video: Powerful owl chick fledges | YouTube (0:53 min)
Sleepy Ringtail Possum - Native Australian Marsupial.mp4
Video: Sleepy ringtail possum | YouTube (2:29 min)

Fun fact: Did you know that Powerful owls need hollows to lay their eggs?

They don't build a regular nest for their babies.

Activity: Research another Australian animal that uses tree hollows for their nests.

Use the activity sheet below to record what you learn. Try and choose an animal that lives near your home.

Task 2: All about hollows

Look at the WIRES website and then take the Tree Hollow Quiz to test your knowledge.

Task 3: Hollows near me... get involved!

Hollows as Homes.mp4
Video: Hollows as homes | YouTube (1:07 min)

Watch the video to learn how you can be involved in a citizen science project to help scientists learn about tree hollows.

Look in your garden or local park for tree hollows and document which animals live in the those trees. You can then upload your results to:

The Royal Botanic Gardens Hollows as Homes Project

Learn about animal shelters

Nest boxes can be an excellent option for many animals that do not have hollows available to them. Learn about nest boxes in the booklet below and then complete the Animal Shelter activity page.

Animal house Shelters Stage 1.pdf
Courtesy of Field of Mars EEC

Activity: Complete the Who Lives Here page

Using the Animal Shelter activity page, complete the worksheet to work out which animal uses which nest box.

Task 4: Create a tree

Using natural resources like bark, sticks, leaves etc make a picture of a tree. You can include some animals made from natural resources too.

Take a photo of your tree and send it to your teacher.

For more information on tree hollows as habitat, check out these fact sheets