Here’s an art and science-based activity page for elementary students about apples. To the left is a sample showing a charming interpretation of the page created by a child in the third grade. An activity of this kind (combining respectful, attentively drawn images of the subject as well as challenging, biologically accurate text) can be a very useful complement to natural history studies. In this case, it can amplify and reinforce youngsters’ awareness of general ecological principles, their understanding of botanical form and function (and vocabulary), as well as crucial interspecific partnerships / mutualisms. It can be a valuable complement to other ways of learning about apples, including readings about their role in various human cultures, listening to stories, cooking, a formal apple tasting project, field trips to a local orchard, or, best of all, year-round caring for apples trees (which, of course, includes harvest time) in your school, community, or home permaculture garden or orchard.
You’ll notice that this particular page includes information about the basics of photosynthesis, pollination, and dispersal. It mentions several of the species (including us humans) who are associated in significant ways with these important trees. This is done to encourage youngsters to become ever more aware of the contexts and relationships which shape the lives of all beings.
By taking turns reading this activity page aloud before or after one of the experiences described above, youngsters can strengthen their acquaintance with the verbal formulation of several key science concepts. By pursuing the option to color the structures of the plant or by drawing their own versions of the apple tree and deer, they can explore their color aesthetics, challenge their fine motor skills, and engage the visual parts of their minds with this topic. Bringing the activity page home at the day’s conclusion will enable them to share what they’re learning with their families, and hopefully, spark conversations – or perhaps even the baking of a pie!
Here’s the link to the pdf so that you can print out copies for your youngsters: Apple Page EB 2018
Here’s also a generic taste testing form that can be readily adapted for heirloom apples.
Taste Testing Form