ERIC Number: EJ1190997
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8121
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Local Tree Mapping: A Collaborative, Place-Based Activity Integrating Science, Technology, Math, and Geography
Blatt, Erica
Science Activities: Classroom Projects and Curriculum Ideas, v50 n3 p99-109 2013
This inquiry-based activity designed for the fifth through 12th grade allows students to engage in an outdoor, place-based experience, working collaboratively both in groups and as a class to accomplish the class goal of creating a local tree map linked to student-collected data about each tree. During Local Tree Mapping, students explore the local trees in the yard or neighborhood of the school, while learning basic skills in geographical information systems and Microsoft Excel. Through this activity, students gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the role of trees within the Earth's ecosystems, as they collect data on tree type, height, diameter, age, and the longitude and latitude of the trees. An extension activity is described in which students can enter their tree data into a carbon dioxide (CO[subscript 2]) emissions reduction calculator to determine how much CO[subscript 2] is sequestered by the trees in their research site. Local Tree Mapping provides an opportunity for students to gain inquiry skills in science, mathematics, and geography as they participate firsthand in the collection, analysis, and presentation of real-world data that can be utilized by the local community.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Place Based Education, Inquiry, Cooperative Learning, Science Activities, Geography, Forestry, Map Skills, Spreadsheets, Science Process Skills, Data Collection, Skill Development, Data Analysis, Pollution, Mathematics, Technology, Interdisciplinary Approach
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive; Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A