Build a puzzle from a tree trunk in this fun nature activity for kids. You can easily combine the love of puzzles and outdoor play with this awesome sensory and math play.
Privacy and Disclosure for information on use of cookies and affiliate links
Kids love making puzzles in all shapes and sizes, and they also love outdoor play. An activity that combines the two is one you’ll want in your toolkit.
Engaging kids in creative outdoor experiences helps build developmental skills while having fun in natural settings. In this activity, a standing tree trunk base can be used to make a life-sized nature puzzle.
Our tree puzzle provides outdoor fun with STEAM along with fine motor and sensory play.
STEAM = Science+technology+engineering+art+math
See how the principles of STEAM apply at the end of the post!
Tree trunk puzzle activity
Make the puzzle.
Cut three 2 inch (5 cm) sections from the tree stump, or more if preferred. Any number of pieces will spark curiosity in your early learner.
Once you have the puzzle pieces, place them on the tree stump in the original order.
Use characteristics of the tree stump to identify the order: the slant of the cut; the broken bark; the light and dark color of the wood.
- Alternately, draw a line down the length of the trunk with a black marker before you cut the slices. This can serve as a guide to align the pieces after they cut from the trunk, so it’s easier for kids to place them back in their original positions.
Examine the tree trunk
The small sections of tree trunk are easy for kids to handle, so they can explore the properties of the tree.
Use all your senses to explore the tree!
1. Look at the rings and trace them with a finger.
2. Peel off some bark to use in a tree bark painting activity.
3. Smell the fresh cut wood.
A tree puzzle is a fun STEM Activity.
This tree puzzle is an awesome way to explore nature and have fun measuring, matching, and stacking.
Science = observing the rings of tree trunk
Technology = using a saw
Engineering = choosing tree stump; planning placement and slant of cut
Math = counting and measuring wood pieces; matching patterns
