The Problem
We need more trees in the world. In Michigan, pine trees remain green all year, provide food and homes for birds and other animals, and we decided to plant pine trees.
Our Plan
We had a forestry expert tell us about various types of pine trees that grow well in our area. We collected several different kinds of pine cones (at least five varieties) and made sure that they still had seeds in them. We recycled containers and planted the pine cones, watering them until they sprouted, and then transferred them outdoors.
Themes Addressed
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Climate Change
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Community Enhancement
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Sustainability
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Wildlife
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The Benefit
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People
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Animals
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Environment
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Here is how the project went:
Messy! We had gathered pinecones of varying types. We had to sort them and learn to see if they still contained their seeds and could be planted. We had a guest expert teach us how to do this.
Through this project I/we learned:
We had to be patient and take turns. We had lots of kids and only 4 adults. Everyone wanted to start planting right away. We had to slow down, learn from the naturalist about the process, and then inspect the pinecones we had to see if they would work. Not everything we brought could be planted. Some were too old, and some were too young. After we planted them, we needed a better way to transport them home. We didn't want to use plastic bags and so we tried using recycled small boxes. Some spilled, but most made it home.
What I/we might change:
We might keep the projects at school so everyone could remember to water them. Some kids took theirs home and forgot to water them, so they did not grow.
My/our favorite part of this project was:
Learning about how one pine cone can grow several trees - and that they can start right in the pinecone itself if we add dirt.
Some tips, tricks or fun facts about the project:
Have a way to transport them - or a way to store them. Teach kids how to identify pinecones that can be planted before they collect them.
