Introduction

Trees have specific characteristics that can be found on their leaves that help identify the specific tree. Leaves can have various shapes, sizes, organizations of leaves, and even color of leaves.

The characteristics of the tree even help scientists name trees using a two-name system. For example, the red maple is a tree that has red color found on the leaves in the spring and fall and the scientific name of the tree is Acer rubrum L.

You may not know this name and that's ok. It's in Latin. Rubrum means red in Latin, which is part of the way we identify the tree - by the color. This is like someone saying, "Hey look! There's Sarah and she's wearing her red softball jacket."

red maple tree

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Identify major species of trees and their characteristics.

Essential Questions

  • What are the major species of trees and their characteristics?

Enduring Understandings

  • Each job, career, and profession has a set of preparation requirements, career exploration experiences, and different opportunities for personal and professional growth and satisfaction.
  • Proper forest management is vital in creating a balance that not only protects forests and related habitats, but also allows for the use of renewable natural resources.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Career Tech: Forestry standard: 4, 4a.