Schools Tree Day
What is Schools Tree Day?
Each year, around 2500 schools across Australia take part in Schools Tree Day. Students nation-wide have learnt how to plant, and care for the seedlings they grow. Schools Tree Day 2012 is on Friday 27th July 2012, although events can be held at any time during the year.
This year, Planet Ark is inviting you to venture into the great outdoors and see how life is better with trees! Schools Tree Day can mark the beginning of a long-term environmental program, engaging your students in a fun, hands on activity that can reinforce their environmental, maths, science and creative arts learning or simply contribute to creating beautiful school grounds.
"This was our first Tree Day event. All the students were very enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the planting process, even though it was pouring with rain and they all got wet and muddy - they loved it. We had an abundance of parent helpers, which added to the community feel of the event."
Looking for a little inspiration? We have some great stories from schools that have held events in the past.
Or read our Schools Activities Guide for more ideas for activities you could have at your school (download from links below).
Remember that you don't have to be planting trees to take part in Schools Tree Day. You could be growing a vegetable garden, weeding a previously planted area, adding shrubs to the building surrounds or venturing out to the local bush to lend community groups a helping hand.
What to do next:
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If you haven't run a Schools Tree Day activity before read our step by step Schools Getting Started Guide (download from links below).
- For inspiration and ideas read our School Tree Day stories or download our Schools Activities Guide (link below). We also have a number of templates for games for big and little kids.
- When you decide to go ahead click here to register your site. We will send you a registration pack but if you need them you can download posters and all other paperwork from our Coordinators section.
- Look at our lesson plans, videos and other teacher's resources.
- More questions? Read our FAQ section developed just for schools. Or call our National Tree Day hotline on 1300 88 5000.
Links:
Life is Better with Trees Schools Competition Winners
The winners of the 2011 Life is Better with Trees Schools Competition have been announced!
Teachers Resources
Planet Ark has developed a number of resources to support teachers and their environmental education programs.
Fun and Games
Games for the Nature Explorer and fun with Fifi for the little ones!
Other Activities
There is a whole range of activities that schools can choose from that are lots of fun and educate students in an interactive and exciting way.
Mobile Zoos
Mobile zoos can provide an interactive and educational experience to enhance your Tree Day activities.
Resources to download:
- Explorers Log Book (3.83MB pdf file)
This resource is full of fun activities to help kids explore the native bushland. - How To Plant A Tree (734kb pdf file)
- Schools Activities Guide (232kb pdf file)
This guide outlines a range of activities to enhance your schools participation in Tree Day. - Schools Activities Guide (B&W) (229kb pdf file)
This guide outlines a range of activities to enhance your schools participation in Tree Day. - Schools Getting Started Guide (291kb pdf file)
This guide will help you plan your schools Tree Day site. - Schools Getting Started Guide (B&W) (290kb pdf file)
This guide will help you plan your schools Tree Day site. - The Benefits of Trees (209kb pdf file)
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