Activity report Tree-ring project

Transcription

1 Activity report Tree-ring project Åmot skule, Norway Test drilling, autumn (week 44-46) We started with the Tree Ring Project in week 44. First, we got a short introduction, and we learned how to drill out tree cores, measure the trees and how to save data from the test area. Later, we went outside the school to test drill, and everyone tried to drill out their own core. The week after, we prepared the test samples and analysed them. We studied them under the microscopes and found the width of the tree rings. We also learned how to make a skeleton plot, and everyone made one for their sample. The next day, we summarized everything we had done, and we also discussed the results. Here are two of the students, Trine and Åshild, measuring the height of a tree.

2 This is Kristin, drilling out a tree core. Annika and Tina are working together to find the width of the tree crown.

3 Kjell, our teacher, is collecting the tree cores. How does a scientist think? (Week 46) To learn how a scientist has to work and think, we did the exercise "How does a scientist think", where we analysed tree discs by observing, formulating research questions, and developing a research plan. This is how we worked with the discs: By observing: We used our senses; touch, look and smell the sample. Tools for observing: ruler, microscope and loupe

4 Examples of questions we found: What is the reason that the tree rings vary in size and shape? What is the reason some of the samples have scars and/or marks? Research plan: We made a plan on how we could find an answer to our question. Here are some examples of methods: Examine the area and get different data about weather, soil, moisture in the soil, climate changes and location. Taking samples: Some trees of same or different species. Does every tree have the same mark? Does the tree have any signs of disease? Trine and Aleksander observing a sample The plan was illustrated

5 Tina, Vilde and Annchristin is working hard. Mari, Annika and Nelly are having fun making a plan.

6 Research period (week 2-5) The first Excursion to collect samples: Location Furufjell. We took the bus to Furufjell, and then we went skiing about 2, 5 km without ski tracks. When we reached the top of the mountain we made a fire and also a ski jump on a big rock. After a while we started drilling out cores and collecting samples. The location was about 900m above sea level. The trees were not very dense and were exposed to a lot of wind. Sunniva, Åshild and Tina are drilling their cores. Tina, Jostein and Trine by one of their test trees. Some of the girls relaxing and warming their feet around the fire.

7 The boys just relaxing. Sunniva drilling a core. Second excursion to collect samples: Location Jønnardalen The class went on a trip by bus to Jønnardalen. When the bus stopped by the forest, everyone went out of the bus and took their skis on. Kjell, our teacher brought some equipment like: snowshoes, spades and other things like food. Gro Elin had the other equipment for the collecting of samples and data. The class getting ready for take off.

8 The location was about 700 m above sea level. The area was quite open but surrounded by hills on each side. Most trees were therefore exposed to a lot of sunlight but also protected against wind. The area between the hillsides consisted of marsh. Some trees grew in groups, other were solitary. The class split into different groups, and started to drill out cores. When we were finished collecting samples we made a fire and grilled some sausage. After that the whole class played rugby in the snow, climbing in the trees, skiing and more. There was a lot of snow at the moment. One of the groups lost their corer equipment in the snow, and they didn t find it. Analysing The samples were taken back to the school and prepared. We used microscopes and also a proscope that could be connected to a computer. This made the observing much easier. We tried to find the age of the samples, made skeleton plots, found an average growth rate for each location and discussed the results. Some of the trees we sampled were over 200 years old! After a long research of the samples, we were finally finished. Cooperation with partner school We are all now looking forward to our visit to Zadar, Croatia, 13 th to 17 th of June We created our own Facebook site in August and students from both schools wrote a short presentation of themselves on the group wall. We also made a film where we introduced ourselves, the community around us and a little about the climate. The film can be seen on the following address: We are also planning to have a Skype call with the class in Zadar some time during the spring. Written by the students in grade 9 at Åmot skule

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