College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 1: How does a tree grow? Hint: it's not what you think!

  Published on June 24, 2019
  How do trees grow? The answer may surprise you. Photosynthesis and respiration produce wood, and all the other parts of a tree. Twigs and roots elongate from growth tissue at the tips, and grow wider from growth tissue under the bark.

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 2: Exploring Vernal Pools

  Published on June 24, 2019
  Vernal pools are more than just puddles. They’re a healthy part of many forest communities in Michigan.

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  Crafts Around the World Series Arctic Region of North America: Soap Carving

  Published on May 11, 2021
  This activity provides youth the opportunity to learn about cultural activities as well as practice soap carving skills.

• Michigan 4-H Project Snapshot Sheets

  Published on March 2, 2015
  The 4-H snapshot sheet series covers what 4-H’ers can learn from projects, ways to get involved and resources for learning more.

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 8: Crowns, Trunks and Roots

  Published on June 26, 2019
  Much of what makes a tree is the basic structure and form. The crown (leaves) does the photosynthesis. The trunk provides advantageous height to the crown and transports food and fluids. The roots provide stability and absorb water and nutrients.

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  Making a Paper Bag Journal - Nature Journaling

  Published on April 15, 2020
  MSU Extension provides an opportunity for youth to make their own personal paper bag journal

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 3: Mill Products

  Published on June 24, 2019
  Forest product mills produce a wide range of products through primary and secondary manufacturers - products like OSB (chipboard), veneer, lumber, and paper.

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  Crafts Around the World Series North America: Mexico Huichol Picture Yarn Art

  Published on May 27, 2021
  This activity provides youth the opportunity to learn about cultural activities as well as practice making yarn art.

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 10: How do trees regenerate?

  Published on June 26, 2019
  This is another one that may surprise you! It's NOT just about seeds. Trees reproduce through several methods under a variety of optimal environmental conditions. Different tree species have different regeneration requirements.

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  Heads In, Hearts In: Full Science Activity Book

  Published on October 18, 2018
  The Heads In, Hearts In family enrichment program encourages families to use their minds as a tool to expand their knowledge around a variety of topic areas. This packet contains all 33 science activities.

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 7: The Carbon Cycle and the Forest!

  Published on June 26, 2019
  Forests play a big role in Earth’s carbon cycle. Most of life consists of carbon-based molecules. Understanding the role of trees and forests contributes to a better understanding of climate change.

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  Crafts Around the World Series Asia: Japanese Origami 4-H Clover

  Published on May 21, 2021
  This activity provides youth the opportunity to learn about cultural activities as well as practice Japanese origami paper folding.

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  STEM On-Request Interactive Zoom Programs

  Published on September 24, 2020
  These opportunities are available to teachers, parents and homeschool families interested in connecting with MSU Extension staff through live, interactive Zoom connections. To request these virtual programs, please reach out to the staff person listed.

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 9: Jack Pine - Ugly but interesting

  Published on June 26, 2019
  Jack pine trees and jack pine forest types are common on the poorer sandy soils of the Lake States. Few other trees and forests can successfully occupy these sites.

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  BeLEAF It or Not! 5: How to identify trees - Part 1 of 2

  Published on June 24, 2019
  Tree identification is a popular hobby and one of the first steps in better understanding our forests. Part 1 of "How to Identify Trees" focuses on various identification characteristics, such as bark, buds, fruits, and leaves.

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  84 easy science lessons you can do at home

  Published on March 16, 2020
  Are you a teacher or parent trying to find some lessons that could be done at home? Try one of these 84 science activities using supplies you probably already have around the house.

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  Easy science, math and language arts lessons to do at home

  Published on March 13, 2020
  Are you a teacher or parent trying to find some lessons that could be done at home? Try these!

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  Getting youth involved in growing vegetables from seed

  Published on May 11, 2020
  Ideas for learning about how germination is affected by growing conditions.