Out in the Woods: Turning Local Forests into Classrooms
As kids head back to school this fall, we are reminded that learning doesn’t have to stay inside four walls. Northern California’s forests, creeks, and oak woodlands are full of opportunities to explore math, science, and ecology through hands-on activities. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community volunteer, these simple lessons can turn a walk outdoors into a memorable learning experience.
>How to Measure a Tree’s Height with a Stick
Materials
- A straight stick about as long as your arm
Steps
- Grip the stick at one end so the entire stick extends above your hand.
- Hold the stick upright with your arm stretched straight out in front of you.
- Walk backward until the top of the stick lines up with the top of the tree and your fist lines up with the bottom of the trunk.
- Stop and pace off the distance from where you are standing back to the tree.
The Result
That distance is the approximate height of the tree.
How It Works
Your fist represents the base of the tree and the tip of the stick represents the top. You are shrinking the whole tree down to stick size and backing up until it fits.
>How to Measure a Tree’s Height with Your Shadow
Materials
- Measuring tape or ruler
Steps
- Measure the person’s height.
- Measure the person’s shadow.
- Measure the tree’s shadow.
- Divide the tree’s shadow length by the person’s shadow length.
- Multiply that number by the person’s height to estimate the tree’s height.
Example
A student is 5 feet tall and has a 4-foot shadow. A tree casts a 60-foot shadow.
- 60 ÷ 4 = 15
- 15 × 5 feet = 75 feet
The tree is approximately 75 feet tall.
Connecting Kids with Nature
Connecting classroom lessons to the environment gives students a chance to see how math and science apply beyond the chalkboard. By measuring trees, observing water, and comparing microclimates, students can also develop a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.
