Blindfold Tree Partners

Wye Island, MD

Blind-fold Tree Partners

Materials needed:

-Create boundaries (such as a fence or imaginary boundaries) for an area that contains trees

-Blindfolds

Procedure: Divide your group into partners. One person in each partnership will be blindfolded. The seeing partner will lead their blindfolded partner to a tree. The blindfolded person gets to know the tree with their other senses. The blindfolded person is then led back to the starting point to become un-blindfolded and to find the tree. Encourage the sighted partner to lead the blindfolded partner in a way-ward pattern through the area.  Switch partners and repeat so everyone has had a turn.

Safety considerations:   No running. Be careful of where you are leading your blindfolded partner (watch out for ditches and roots). If someone is not comfortable being blindfolded, no need to force them into the activity. They can participate by being a sighted partner twice for different people.

Discussion thoughts:

-         - Were you able to find your tree? Why or why not?

-         - How were you able to engage your other senses? Was it successful or a struggle?

-         - How did your perspective change?

-         - Why or why not was it scary being blindfolded? Were you comfortable trusting your partner lead you throughout the field? What happened?

-    - What properties of a tree did you look for to identify and find it?

-     - What were some of the differences between tree barks and shapes? What are possible reasons for this variety?  

   Suggestion: Bring a Tree Identification field guide for your students to use!

  Additional Resources:

      Tree Bark Types: http://www.backyardnature.net/treebark.htm

     

      Tree Bark ID: http://www.treebarkid.com/

      Kids in Park Tree Bark ID: http://kidsinparks.com/outside/images/tree_bark_scavenger_hunt.pdf