Organise a search for local oak trees, involving pupils and their families. Record the location and condition of each tree. Plot the positions on a local map and draw conclusions about the most suitable or favourable places for the trees.

Place a large white sheet under an oak tree. Shake the lower limbs of the tree and carefully identify and study what falls. Branching diagrams would be helpful.

Identify small, carefully measured areas around the base of the tree.

Undertake a soil study.

Art and design

Make sketches of different oak trees in the locality. Use these to make a frieze and identify the species found. Make bark rubbings of the trunks of the different trees. Identify and label the specific features. Extend and repeat the patterns into larger pieces of artwork.

Numeracy

Devise a way to establish the approximate height of each tree. Teach pupils to use a hand-held clinometer for greater accuracy.

Design and technology

Make a cardboard model of an oak tree with small opening “windows” at appropriate heights to show how different creatures use the various parts of the tree.