Cool Schools Resources

A BioBlitz, or biological survey, is a great way to record the biodiversity in an urban forest. During an official BioBlitz event, scientists, community members, students, and naturalists work together to find as many trees, plants, and animals as possible in a specific amount of time. A less formal BioBlitz can be achieved at home by taking photos, using apps like iNaturalist, and research. Keeping a digital journal is a great way to document the species you encounter and provides fun photos and facts that your family will enjoy looking through afterwards. As a family, investigate your neighborhood’s urban forest and see how many organisms you can find!

Download the BioBlitz activity!

All about trees! A learning guide and coloring book presented by Texas Trees Foundation

This Cool School Neighborhood Park Scavenger Hunt is here for you to play, explore, and enjoy time together in nature as a family. Discover
some of the new park amenities as you work together to complete
this scavenger hunt!

Taking a closer look at the leaves of a tree will bring awareness to fine details that can help you identify tree species. Knowing if the leaf is simple or compound, if the leaf margin is smooth, serrated, or lobed, and venation (leaf vein) patterns are all helpful clues to pay attention to. A simple and fun way to start recognizing these differences is by creating leaf rubbings. Take your family on a walk through the park and collect an assortment of leaves. Back at home, your family can utilize
the leaf rubbing page to help categorize the leaves they found.

Download leaf rubbing activity.

Learn all the parts of a tree, with pictures, including branches, seeds, bark, roots, and more.

Download Parts of a Tree Activity

An urban forest is made up of many living and nonliving components within a city. Trees are a huge factor in the success of a busy city, providing habitat for wildlife, shade for pedestrians, and clean air to offset emissions from vehicles. Enjoy a nature walk around your school looking for some of these elements and see if you can get a Bingo!

Download the Urban Forest Bingo Activity