The Apple Orchard

Time: 45–60 minutes
Big Idea: Learn how apples grow, why they’re an important fall crop, and look into where you can find them locally.

What You’ll Need:

• One apple (any variety)
• Knife (for adult use only)
• Paper and crayons/markers
• Small bowl of apple slices

Part 1. Look and Learn
Show your child an apple.
Ask:

• What color is it?
• Is it smooth or bumpy?
• When do you usually eat apples?

Part 2. How Apples Grow
Explain:

• Apples grow on trees in orchards.
• In spring, apple trees bloom with pretty flowers.
• The flowers turn into apples that ripen in the fall.
  Activity:
  Draw an apple tree with blossoms, green leaves, and red apples hanging down.

Part 3. Apple Exploration
Steps:

1. With an adult’s help, cut the apple in half.
2. Look inside and find the seeds in the core.
3. Talk about how those seeds could grow into new apple trees.
4. Taste apple slices together.

Part 4. If I Were an Apple…
Ask:

• Would you be turned into juice, pie, or applesauce?
• Would you hang high or low on the tree?
  Activity:
  Have your child draw themselves as an apple hanging from a branch.

Part 5. Wrap-Up Discussion

• Where do apples grow?
• What can farmers and families do with apples?
• What kinds of apples do farmers grow in your area? Extra points for going to a local farm to find out!