In our SK1 classroom, the students’ curiosity about wood structures led us into a fascinating exploration of trees and dendrochronology. What started with questions like, “Why do the branches have different sizes?” and “Did people draw rings inside the wood?” turned into an engaging study of tree anatomy and the science behind tree rings. We introduced students to dendrochronology, the study of tree rings, which helped them understand not only how to determine a tree’s age but also how each ring tells a story about the tree’s environment and growth patterns over time.
Students learned how trees grow in cycles, adding a new ring each year. They observed how thicker rings can indicate years of abundant growth, while thinner rings might suggest years of stress or drought. To enhance their learning, we used real tree slices in class, allowing them to see these rings up close and understand how they reveal the tree’s history. We also discussed the use of an increment borer, a tool that allows scientists to extract cores from trees without harming them, further connecting the students to real-world applications of dendrochronology.
This exploration of tree rings not only deepened their knowledge of nature but also inspired creative connections to other parts of our curriculum, such as art and sustainability. The hands-on experience sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity in the students, encouraging them to think critically about the natural world and the passage of time.
In addition to studying tree rings and learning about dendrochronology, our students also engaged in a hands-on sustainability project by creating new paper from the scrap paper collected in our classroom. The process involved soaking the paper scraps, blending them into a pulp, and then pressing them into sheets of new paper. It was a fun, tactile experience that allowed students to see the potential for repurposing materials and appreciating the life cycle of trees from a new perspective.
This paper-making project seamlessly tied into our study of tree rings and the broader concept of time. Just as the tree rings revealed the growth patterns of trees over the years, the students’ Timeline Project allowed them to reflect on and visually represent their own personal growth. Each student created a timeline filled with milestones captured in photos, showing their progress and the different “rings” of their own life. The connection between the two projects was clear: just as trees grow over time, adding rings to record their history, the students were also adding their own “rings” to their life stories, marked by significant memories and milestones.
The Timeline Project gave students a platform to share their personal journeys with their classmates, much like how dendrochronologists study tree rings to understand a tree’s history. Each timeline presentation was a unique reflection of individual experiences, and students proudly explained the stories behind the photos they selected. This connection between the science of tree rings and the students’ personal timelines not only deepened their understanding of growth and change but also helped them build confidence as they shared their stories. The classroom was filled with excitement and pride as students took the stage to present their milestones, knowing they were contributing to a larger story of development, just like the trees we studied.
As we explored the growth of trees and the passing of time, it was a beautiful reminder of how God has designed nature to reflect His wisdom and purpose. Just as trees grow and add rings over time, each of us is growing and unfolding a unique story. The Bible speaks about how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and much like the rings in a tree, our lives are filled with moments of growth, learning, and change. We are reminded that, just as trees contribute to the world around them, our own experiences shape who we are and how we impact others. This study of nature and personal timelines has helped our students connect with the idea that each stage of life is part of a greater plan, beautifully crafted by God.