Last updated: July 25, 2024
Lesson Plan
The Boundary Oak: From Seed to Tree
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Memorial Landscape, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site. This oak was a significant tree marking the Lincoln property. It died in 1976 and was removed in 1986. The site of the oak remains as a significant feature of the landscape, although drainage issues p
National Park Service
- Grade Level:
- Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Kentucky
Science
K-LS1.1- Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals need to survive. - Thinking Skills:
- Remembering: Recalling or recognizing information ideas, and principles. Applying: Apply an abstract idea in a concrete situation to solve a problem or relate it to a prior experience.
Essential Question
What is the significance of the Boundary Oak at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park?
Objective
The objective of this lesson is for students to be able to identify the life cycle of a tree, the importance of trees, and the significance of the Boundary Oak at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park.
Background
Important background information that teachers will need for this lesson is the importance of the Boundary Oak, the oak tree marked the boundary of the Lincoln Family Farm. The life cycle of an oak tree is significant information here to reference so kids can see the stages of what happened with the tree, why it was cut down, and its life in between those two times.
Preparation
Print attached worksheets.
Materials
Life Cycle Worksheet
Procedure
Step one: Teachers will discuss the life cycle of a tree and break down the individual parts, what happens in those parts of the life cycle and what the importance of each step is.
Step two: Teacher will show the Boundary Oak and explain that it signified a boundary on the farm.
Step three: Teacher will show an image of the tree cookie from the park, to signify the end of the life cycle of the tree.
Step four: Students will create their own tree lifecycle using worksheet.
Vocabulary
Life cycle- the series of stages that a living thing goes through during its life, and all living things have one.
Related Lessons or Education Materials
Meets Kentucky Kindergarten science standards. This lesson was created by Kentucky teachers as a part of the History and Science Explore Project.