Science project

Determining the Ages of Trees

(13 ratings)

by Kathy Phillips

Fifth Grade Science Science projects: Determining the Ages of Trees

This project determines the ages of trees without cutting the trees down to count the rings in their bases.

Problem:

What is the best method for distinguishing the age of a tree?

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Grade

Fifth Grade Middle School

Subject

Science

Life Science

Materials:

Trees (choose a variety)
Tape measure
Pen and paper
A “growth factor” chart for trees

Note: If you happen to stumble across a tree stump, take the time to identify the tree and count the rings in the trunk to find out the age of the tree.

Procedure

Find an area that has a variety of trees (park or playground).
Find your first tree sample, and at approximately three to five feet from the ground, measure the circumference of its trunk.
Find about four more types and sizes of trees and record their types and circumferences.
Follow this formula to calculate the diameters of the trees: Diameter = Circumference divided by 3.14 (pi).
Multiply the diameter of each tree by its growth factor (found on Growth Factor Chart) to calculate the approximate age of the tree.

Author: Kathy Phillips

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Determining the Ages of Trees

Problem:

Materials:

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