Tools of the Trade: Methods for Measuring Trees
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Grades 3 -
8
Biology/Ecology
Activity
Educational Objectives
By the end of this activity, students will be able to:
- Compare methods of measuring a tree
- Observe patterns and differences among tree species
Audience
K-12
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns | Scale, Proportion, and Quantity | Systems and System Models | Structure and Function | Stability and Change
NGSS Science & Engineering Practices: Asking Questions and Defining Problems | Planning and Carrying Out Investigations | Analyzing and Interpreting Data | Engaging in Argument from Evidence | Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1 - From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes | LS2 - Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics | LS3 - Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits | LS4 - Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity | ESS1 - Earth's Place in the Universe | ESS3 - Earth and Human Activity | ETS1 - Engineering Design
Observatory: Sierra CZO
Author(s): Michelle Gilmore (UC Merced)
Funding: Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory
Details for this Resource
Trees can be small, and trees can be big. How do we determine a tree’s size? How can we size up one tree versus another? In this activity designed for 3rd-8th graders, students work in teams and use one or several different methods to measure and compare the sizes of trees.
Note: Proposed NGSS alignment and 5E lesson structure (less Evaluate) are included in the activity guide. This activity was originally developed for Merced County Office of Education's TEAM-E Science Training for elementary and middle school teachers.
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