I have been sharing suggestions of specific items that families or classes can search for and examine when they hike. In this post, I will focus on bark, the protective outer covering of a tree.

Many of us can distinguish trees by their leaves, seeds, or fruits, but in the winter, many naturalists will use a tree’s bark for identification. Children explore the world via their senses and in this activity, they are identifying texture and learning the accompanying vocabulary. Furthermore, recognizing patterns and developing comparison skills are foundational math concepts.

The following photos are only a sampling of tree bark I saw on my last hike. Aren’t the patterns diverse? Click here to watch a video that will help you identify a tree using its bark.

After touching and describing the bark you find on trees, make a tree bark rubbing. There are several ways to do this, but I prefer black paper and white chalk. Hold the paper very still or tape it on the tree until the rubbing is completed. I found pushing hard in one direction made the best rubbing. Compare the bark patterns on several trees.

According to Kim Dinan, “Studies show that the average American child spends only four to seven minutes a day in unstructured play outdoors, and seven hours a day in front of a screen.” Yet, there is abundance of research that concludes that outdoor play is critical to a child’s health and development.

Andy Goldsworthy is a renown artist and photographer who creates art from natural objects found on location. He is part of the land art movement.

Using materials that you find on the ground create a work of art. Click here to use this video for inspiration. Amazing!

I left a work of art for others to find. This is a perfect time of year to create land art because of the number of leaves, nuts, and seeds that have fallen to the ground. What a fun family project, as well as a virtual assignment! If you create one, share a photo in the comments.

This project reminded me of the children’s book, Anywhere Artist. Click here for the Safeshare link.

This is a traditional fall art project that fosters the development of fine motor skills, the ability to make refined movements using the small muscles in hands and wrists. These skills are foundational for writing, as well as for many self-help tasks. In the following photos, you will see different options for this project for home or school. I demonstrate the technique, but I never show students a finished product, so that they will use their imaginations.

Don’t miss the connection with science! Before you begin, take a walk and observe the growth of deciduous trees which are trees that lose their leaves each fall. Notice how the branches are reaching toward the sky and how they are thicker near the trunk and thinner near the end of the branches. Observe how smaller twigs grow out of larger branches. Are the twigs and branches straight or curved? Compare the overall shapes of the trees. Touch the bark. Is the texture the same on every tree? Use the terms trunk, branch, limb, twig, and bark. Notice and compare the colors of fall leaves.

Begin with tearing a trunk from a sheet of brown construction paper. This is more difficult than cutting because of the need for self-control and the use of both hands. You will probably witness some frustration. Glue the trunk on the background paper. Then begin to tear branches and add them to the trunk. Your artist(s) could add smaller twigs and bark texture with a Crayola maker.

There are three ways to add the fall foliage: torn paper, tissue paper, or sponge paint in fall colors. You can also combine these materials which makes your tree 3D. I used one tree below to demonstrate all three choices.

Torn paper: Tear small pieces of paper and glue them on the branches. Use glue sticks or place a dot of glue (dot, dot, not a lot) on the branch and place the torn leaf on top.

Paint: Cut sponges into strips. Dip the end of the sponge into the paint and explain how to dab the sponges (using an up and down motion) to create the appearance of leaves. This requires self-control.

Tissue Paper: Cut tissue paper into squares. Place the eraser end of a pencil in the middle of the square and wrap the tissue around the eraser. Hold the tissue in place, dip it into glue, and place it onto a branch.

Example of all three techniques:

Of course, students can add a ground covering, animals, or objects in the sky to complete their masterpieces. Remember, it’s the process, not the product!

A tree is always lifting its arms in praise!

I look for ways to combine art with science, and I have been anxious to try this project inspired by my friend, Ellen. I collected brown leaves and pressed them for a week, so that they would be dry and flat. I placed the leaves between packing paper (parchment paper or coffee filters) and placed heavy books on top. I used fine point white paint pens to create the designs. Won’t these gingerbread leaves look lovely around my Thanksgiving table?

You could also design place cards with this project.

One of my favorite fall art projects is to print leaves. It’s a simple activity and the result is beautiful! I have used printed leaves to make cards, place mats, gift bags, and wall hangings. I’ve printed on tiles without glaze and on fabric, like muslin. I used acrylic paint below, but match the paint to your project. This project provides an excellent opportunity to study leaves-shapes, veins, edges, and petioles (how the leaf is attached to the branch).

Directions:  Paint the back side of the leaf evenly. The veins are more prominent on this side. Place the leaf on a clean piece of paper and lay the project paper over the leaf, press gently, and slowly rub over the leaf with your fingers. Be careful that the leaf does not move. I usually hold it still by pressing on the petiole with one hand. You can also try an ink pad for this project. Experiment with white paint on black paper for a different look.

Wouldn’t a grandparent love to receive a home-made card with a sweet message inside?

Younger children tend to be more successful with one larger leaf.

I especially enjoy connecting science with art. In my previous post, I made a bouquet of fall leaves. Afterwards, I was inspired to collect foliage and create seasonal bouquets. This activity would be fun to do with your family or students. As you collect items, look at the plant parts. Fall is an opportune time to look at seeds, especially in grasses. I only had white chalk, but use colored chalk to design a variety of vases to display your collection. Discuss color and composition. Take photos of your arrangements and create cards or transfer the arrangement to a jar or vase to display inside or outside.

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Maya Angelou