Deciduous and evergreen trees
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare deciduous and evergreen trees and name some examples of each.
Key learning points
- Evergreen trees keep their green leaves all year round.
- Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the autumn.
- Trees can be compared throughout the year using observation skills.
- In autumn and winter, trees can be identified as evergreen or deciduous.
Keywords
Tree - A tree is a plant which has a trunk, supporting leaves and branches.
Leaves - The leaves are the part of a plant where the plant makes its food.
Evergreen - Trees and bushes that do not lose their leaves in autumn or winter are evergreen.
Deciduous - Trees that lose their leaves once a year are deciduous.
Observe - To observe is to look closely, and use other senses too.
Common misconception
All trees have leaves that they lose every year.
Show a range of examples of different types of trees including evergreen.
Teacher tip
This would be a great lesson to revisit at different times of year especially in autumn/winter, as the differences between deciduous and evergreen trees become more apparent.
Equipment
Holly leaves and pine needles; access to trees at different times of the year to observe/compare.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Trees are ...
Q2.Which of these is true?
Q3.Identifying a tree means ...
Q4.Jacob wants to identify a tree. What can he use to help him?
Q5.When we observe trees we ...
Q6.Which of these leaves is from an oak tree?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Evergreen trees ...
Q2.Deciduous trees ...
Q3.What will help us to observe and compare trees?
Q4.Oak, silver birch and horse chestnut trees are all ...
Q5.Holly, juniper and yew trees are all ...
Q6.Match the tree to its correct type.
deciduous
evergreen
deciduous
evergreen
To help you plan your 1 science lesson on: Deciduous and evergreen trees, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 science lesson on: Deciduous and evergreen trees, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 science lessons from the Identifying plants and their basic parts unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.