Lesson summary
Ever dreamt about being a tree scientist? In this lesson you will take on the role of scientists whose task it is to measure tree diameter in order to calculate the age of trees. After collecting data about tree diameter you will analyse your data and draw conclusions about the trees in your area.
Learning outside means limitless opportunities for imagination, inspiration, curiosity and creative thinking. Kids need to keep asking ‘why’, ‘how come’ and ‘what if’. There is no better source of questions and possibilities than investigating your natural and built environment.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Curriculum codes:
Complete lesson for classroom teachers:
https://www.coolaustralia.org/activity/outdoor-learning-tree-tally-year-7/
Ideal for:Â Lower secondary
Themes:Â
- investigating
Time required:
- Part 1 – 40 minutes
- Part 2 – 60 minutes
Curriculum connections: Mathematics, Science, Sustainability, Personal and Social Capability
Resources required
- Blindfold
- Clipboard and pencil for recording data
- Field data page for tallies
- Homemade calipers to measure tree diameter (e.g. two narrow lightweight pieces of dowel approximately 1 metre in length joined together at one end enabling scissor action)
- Tape measure minimum of 2 metres
- Tree Tally Record Table
- Tree Tally Dot Plot chart and analysis
- Tree Tally – Analyse the class data
Additional info
Learning@Home resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our Learning@Home series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.
