Camp and Learn: A Nature Study in Four Parts. Sample file. Created by Sarah Dugger, 212Mom, Inc. 2011, all rights reserved.

Transcription

1 Camp and Learn: A Nature Study in Four Parts

2 Dear Parents, This Camp and Learn study is designed for older students, ideally high school age students. It could definitely be enjoyed by younger students with parental assistance. The study is divided into four parts. Each part can be completed independently. I have included some links to web pages for further study. I hope your children will enjoy getting out and exploring the wonders of nature. I sincerely hope this study enriches your child s camping experience. Happy Camping! Sarah Dugger 212Mom

3 Camp & Learn Book 1 A Tree Survey For Older Students

4 Before you begin your study, here are a few things to remember. 1. Always have a partner. No one should ever venture into the forest alone. 2. Never remove living things from the forest. Leaves and twigs that have fallen to the ground are fine to take as specimens. 3. Be careful and watch for animals that may be dangerous. 4. Know what poison ivy and poison oak look like and steer clear! If you do not know what they look like, go to: poisonivy.aesir.com/img/pictures/pi-pics-may/index.php 5. If you drop something, like trash, pick it up and carry it back to your camp site for disposal. 6. Leave your survey area in as good a condition, or better, than you found it. Tools needed for this project: 1. This journal and pencil(s) 2. Flexible tape measure longer than 6 ft if possible 3. Caliper, if available The best way to measure a trunk s diameter is with a tree caliper. Your local garden center may offer an inexpensive model. If you cannot locate a caliper, you can measure the circumference of the tree with a piece of string, then divide that number by pi (3.14) to get the diameter. Let s say the trunk s circumference measures 6 inches. Divide 6 by 3.14 to come up with a diameter that equals 1.91 inches. 4. Homemade clinometer (instructions on next page) 5. Camera 6. Field guide to trees 7. ***There are several pages provided for recording information, if you think you may need more, simply print more copies of those pages before you go.***

5 What in the world is a clinometer and how can I make one? That is a great question! A clinometer is a device used to measure the angle of elevation of an object for which the height is too tall to directly measure. Most clinometers that are available for purchase are relatively expensive. You can make a simple clinometer with a few materials and a little elbow grease. Materials Needed: 1. Foam Core Board 2. Protractor 3. Craft Knife 4. Long paper fastener 5. Yardstick 6. Pencil 7. Permanent marker 8. Small carpenter s level 9. Duct tape 1. Use the yardstick to mark off 2 strips of foam core, each measuring 18 inches long and 2 inches wide. Cut those strips out with the craft knife. To easily cut foam core board, make each of your cuts 3 times, beginning with a very shallow cut that just penetrates the first layer of paper. 2. Use the yard stick and pencil to mark off and label each of your strips in centimeters. Go over your markings with the permanent marker so they are easy to see. 3. Make a small hole approximately 2 cm from the beginning of both strips and fasten together with the paper fastener. **You want the strips to be able to be repositioned when needed, yet hold their position without assistance. 4. Duct tape the level to the bottom strip. Go to the next page for instructions on using your clinometer.

6 Using Your Clinometer Carpenter s Level Pace approximately 30 feet from the base off the tree you are trying to measure. Have your partner measure your distance with the tape measure. Try to make sure your distance is a whole number, that will make your calculations easier later. 2. Hold the bottom of the clinometer level at your eye level. Have your partner measure the distance from the bottom of the clinometer to the ground. 3. Raise the top bar and look along it to the top of the tree until the top of the tree disappears from your view. 4. Use your protractor to measure the angle formed in step Calculate the height of your tree using the mathematical information on the next page.

7 Using your measurements to calculate tree height. The angle you measured is the angle of elevation for your tree. We are going to use a little trigonometry to calculate the height of your tree. Angle of Elevation Measured distance 30 feet from base This is basically a right triangle with one side measuring 30 feet and 2 known angles. So, we can use a right triangle property to calculate the unknown side (the tree height). The tangent of the angle of elevation is equal to the measure of the opposite side divided by the angle of the adjacent side. Tan A = opp/adj Let s say the angle is a 30 angle. Tan 30 = opp/30 feet Using a calculator: 90 degree angle.5774 = opp/30 feet feet= opp Now, you re not quite finished, remember you measured this angle from your eye level. So, add the distance measured from your eye level to the ground. In my case, it was 5 feet, so my total height for the tree would be feet. Congratulations! You have calculated the height of a tree.