Wonder Lab: Why Are Trees Important to Life on Earth?

This Wonder Lab invites your child to explore the powerful question: Why are trees important to life on Earth? Using the book Wishtree as a central read-aloud, children dive into themes like community, empathy, belonging, environmental responsibility, and the many ways trees support animals, people, air, soil, and water.

The unit includes a flexible book companion guide, morning work activities, language arts and math games, social studies, hands-on science, art, mindfulness activities, social/emotional skills, graphic organizers, and five different project options to match your child’s interests and learning style. Each option includes 4+ weeks of suggested tasks. These include:

Create a Local Tree Guide – Become a naturalist and document the trees in your own community. Children observe, sketch, research, and write about real trees while learning how they support life around them.

Design a Tree of Life Mural – Create a large art piece that shows how trees connect animals, people, and the planet. Children combine science research, symbolism, and creativity to teach others about the importance of trees.

Build a Community Wishing Tree – Design and set up a welcoming wishing tree space for your family or community. Children explore global traditions, practice empathy, and learn how trees can bring people together.

Write and Illustrate a Tree Storybook – Step into the perspective of a tree or forest creature and create a story that helps readers understand nature through imagination and heart.

Trailblazer’s Path – For learners who want to design their own project, this option allows full creative freedom while still exploring the Big Question: How do animals survive where they live?

As your child works through the Wonder Lab, they’ll engage in hands-on science, meaningful social-emotional learning, creative writing, and real-world math, all while strengthening reading, writing, and critical thinking skills in a joyful and connected way.