Plot
Biomass Field Data Analysis - Trees
Purpose
- To provide students with an opportunity to explore the essential aspects of their field measurements.
- In order to develop an understanding of the carbon storage
within a field plot, students will analyze their tree biomass data and
will consider how this data relates to local carbon cycle.
Students will work with a partner or small group and will explore the field data as analyzed and synthesized by the teacher-prepared Excel plot biomass analysis file. In order to guide this exploration of the field data and analysis, students will consider a variety of questions that directly address the calculations conducted by the Excel file and will discuss how these findings relate to further explorations of the local carbon cycle. This process will lead to a guided inquiry exercise in which students will investigate how much carbon is stored in the forested area within their schoolyard.
Essential Question
How does your field plot relate to our study of the global carbon cycle?
Student Outcomes
- Students will study their field data as analyzed by Excel plot biomass analysis file
- Students will work with a partner or small group to answer a variety of application type questions that address the field data analysis
- Students will communicate their understanding of the field data analysis in a class discussion
- Students will design a procedure in order to investigate and answer the following question: how much carbon is stored in the forested area of their schoolyard?
- Students will write a response to and will be able to discuss the implications of the essential question: How does your field plot relate to our study of the global carbon cycle?
- Converting values
- The relationship between tree circumference, diameter, biomass, and carbon storage
- Global carbon cycle and its terrestrial component
Time
120-150 minutes
Level
High School