Sawing Away

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this outdoor activity, learners saw sections from fallen trees, then count tree rings and look closely at patterns of tree growth. Learners are challenged to find out if the top of a tree is older, younger, or the same age as the bottom. Learners also explore how patterns of tree growth give clues to environmental conditions over the years.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • bow saw (1 per team of two)
  • fine-tipped colored marking pens (2 per team of two)
  • small pieces of sandpaper, 10 cm x 15 cm (2 per team of two)
  • 1 data board and marking pen
  • brightly colored push pins
  • "Counting Growth Rings" Technique Card (page 5-6 of PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1982