How
do scientists measure trees? What is DBH?
Purpose
- In order to develop an understanding of tree size and how scientists measure trees students will be provided with an opportunity to observe tree cookies and explore the relationship between tree circumference and diameter.
- This activity will provide students with an opportunity to explore the relationship between circumference and diameter based on a series of tree cookie measurements. The direct measurements of diameter will be compared to the estimates of diameter made from circumference measurements (and vice versa).
Overview
In this activity students will observe and explore the relationship between circumference and diameter using tree cookies (cross sections from real trees).
Essential Questions
How do scientists measure trees?
Sub-questions
What is the relationship between circumference and diameter?
What is diameter-at-breast-height?
What is the relationship between circumference and diameter?
What is diameter-at-breast-height?
Student Outcomes
- Students will observe the physical characteristics of and suggest ways to measure tree cookies (i.e., cross sections of real trees).
- Students will work with a partner to measure the circumference and diameter of one tree cookie.
- Students will work with a partner to calculate circumference or diameter of the tree cookie based on the circle equation. Students will compare and contrast the calculated circumference and diameter values to the actual measurements of these parameters.
Science Concepts
5-8 & 9-12
Change, constancy, measurement
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
Time
60 - 90 minutes
Level
Middle & High School