Deciduous and Evergreen

Overview

This 50-minute lesson introduces Year 1 students to deciduous and evergreen trees, focusing on identifying and distinguishing between them. It complements the "Seasons and Living Things" unit by engaging students with visual and tactile experiences indoors and outdoors. This lesson strictly aligns with the National Curriculum for England: Science, Programme of Study for Year 1, focusing on seasonal changes and observation of plants and animals.

---

National Curriculum Link

Science – Year 1: Plants and Seasonal Changes
Pupils should be taught to:

• Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees.
• Observe changes across the four seasons, including changes in leaves on trees.
• Use simple scientific language to discuss observations.

Reference:

• Key Stage 1 Science Programme of Study (Years 1-2)
• "Plants: Identify and name common wild and garden plants"
• "Seasonal Changes: Observe changes across the four seasons"

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Define what deciduous and evergreen trees are in their own words.
2. Identify common deciduous and evergreen trees from pictures and in the school grounds.
3. Describe how deciduous and evergreen trees change through the seasons.
4. Use simple observational skills to notice differences in trees outside.

---

Resources

• Large colourful picture cards of deciduous and evergreen trees (e.g., oak, maple, pine, holly)
• Leaf samples from both deciduous and evergreen trees
• Clipboards, paper, and crayons
• Whiteboard and markers
• Outdoor area with a variety of trees accessible
• “Tree Detective” badges or stickers (for engagement)

---

Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Activity: Introduction with Picture Cards and Discussion

• Show students large images of deciduous and evergreen trees.
• Ask prompting questions:
  • "What do you notice about these trees?"
  • "Can you see any differences in their leaves?"
• Briefly explain:
  • Deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn.
  • Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year round.
• Use simple vocabulary and encourage children to repeat new words (deciduous, evergreen).

---

2. Main Activity Part 1 (15 minutes)

Activity: Indoor Leaf Sorting and Matching Game

• Give each child a selection of leaf samples (real or laminated) representing deciduous and evergreen trees.
• On a large table, place two labelled baskets: “Deciduous” and “Evergreen.”
• Pupils match leaves to the correct basket.
• Monitor and assist with scientific vocabulary and gentle questioning ("Why do you think this leaf goes here?").
• After sorting, discuss the texture, colour, and shape differences.

---

3. Main Activity Part 2 (15 minutes)

Activity: Outdoor Tree Hunt and Observation

• Take pupils outside with clipboards and crayons.
• Walk to nearby trees identified earlier, encouraging students to spot which are deciduous or evergreen.
• Guide them in looking closely at leaves and bark; note differences and any signs of seasonal change (fallen leaves, bare branches).
• Children draw one deciduous and one evergreen tree they see.
• Encourage them to describe what they notice aloud (e.g., "This tree has no leaves – it's deciduous." or "This tree is still green – it’s evergreen.")

---

4. Plenary (10 minutes)

Activity: Sharing and Reflecting

• Back in the classroom, ask each child to share their drawings and explain which tree they chose and why.
• Recap key points on the whiteboard:
  • Deciduous trees lose leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring.
  • Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year.
• Award “Tree Detective” badges to celebrate their learning and curiosity.
• Encourage students to notice trees on the way home or at the park.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment during leaf sorting and outdoor observations: Check pupil understanding through their verbal explanations and correct classification.
• Summative assessment in plenary: Each child summarises the key differences and shares their drawings using appropriate vocabulary.
• Teacher notes observations about pupils’ ability to identify and explain differences, informing future lessons.

---

Additional Tips for WOW Factor

• Use a magnifying glass during outdoor observations to intrigue the children and reveal fine details of leaves and bark textures, turning them into “Tree Detectives.”
• Record children’s explanations and compile a short “Tree Detective” video or slideshow to share with parents and school assemblies, reinforcing learning and community engagement.
• Incorporate a simple sensory exploration: feel the texture of leaves (smooth pine needles vs soft oak leaves), smell any evergreen trees (pine aroma), enhancing multisensory learning.

---

This detailed, interactive lesson plan encourages investigative learning and makes the understanding of deciduous and evergreen trees accessible, relevant, and memorable for Year 1 pupils while fully respecting the National Curriculum requirements.