Judee Shipman
Type
Botany
Grade Level
4-8
Difficulty Level
Medium
Cost
Minimal
Safety Issues
Adult supervision recommended when searching the net.
Project Time Frame
2-6 weeks
Objective
This project examines tree stumps in order to learn more about the properties of trees.
Project Goals
- To examine the ways in which tree rings reveal information about the world.
- To develop new and improved methods of analysis.
- To uncover information previously unknown about tree rings.
Materials and Equipment
- Computer with internet access.
- Access to actual tree stumps
- Digital camera
- Typical office/craft supplies (such as paper, pens & poster-board)
Introduction
It’s commonly believed that the rings on a tree stump reveal the age (in years) of the tree itself. But tree rings may reveal more than just the age of a tree. This project aims to discover new ideas through a careful analysis of tree rings.
Research Questions
- How are tree rings formed?
- What causes a tree to grow one new ring every calendar year?
- How can tree ring characteristics be used to obtain other types of measurements?
- Does a tree stump keep adding new rings after the tree is chopped down?
- What else can we learn from tree rings?
Terms and Concepts to Start Background Research
- Dendrochronology
- Dendroarchaology
- Dendroclimatology
- Paleoclimatology
Experimental Procedure
- Read overviews of relevant topics (see bibliography and terms listed above).
- Collect a number of digital photos of tree rings, both online and with your own camera.
- If possible, also collect some actual tree ring samples.
- Analyze, describe and categorize each sample and photo.
- Develop and test your own theories about tree rings.
- Interpret your findings in a detailed report.
- Show results visually using charts and graphs.
- Display any interesting photos taken throughout the course of the experiment.
Bibliography
Dendrochronology website National Climatic Data Center (Paleoclimatology)
Judee Shipman is a Bay Area Educational Consultant and professional writer of quality educational materials. Her recent writing credits include Top50States.com (a popular and entertaining website about states), and a book called The Portable Chess Coach (Cardoza, 2006), currently available in stores.
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Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state’s handbook of Science Safety.
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com’s website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com’s Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com’s liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state’s handbook of Science Safety.
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