Bark Rubbings

Download a worksheet of this activity here!

Directions:

1.  Gather a few supplies, such as a piece of paper, a pencil, and a crayon or marker.

2.  Find two different trees with interesting bark.

3.  Place the paper over the bark of one of the trees.

4.  Rub the crayon or marker over the paper, applying firm pressure.

5.  Remove the paper and see the bark rubbing you have created.

6.  Repeat steps 3-5 with the other tree.

7.  If you are having trouble getting a clear rubbing, you can try using a different type of paper, such as a heavier weight paper or a watercolor paper.

Have fun and enjoy creating your bark rubbings!  Feel free to use books, the internet, or people to research your answers to these questions.

1. What are the 2 trees you chose?

2. What are the different colors of bark?

3. How does bark help to protect a tree?

4. What are 2 of the different ways that people use bark?

Here are a few of the trees that you can find at the Santa Rosa Plateau that have interesting bark but feel free to choose any trees you want.

* Engelman oak

* California live oak

* Sycamore

Please attach bark rubbings or take photos of the rubbings to submit with this activity.