| Explore | Some interesting findings from the trees are some did not grow their fruit like the Apricot Tree. We observed an Avocado Tree that produced little amounts of avocados. We also noticed there was a trend with the trees we observed. There usually was something wrong with the trees like a sign of distress and or the tree was dying. Some of our observations were plants were growing at the base of the Apricot Tree. The Avocado Tree was leaning over. The roots of the Carrotwood Tree were showing a bit and were brown. The Norfolk Pine Tree had its bark peeling and rolling in towards itself. |
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| Research Question | How does the location and environment affect a tree's overall health? |
| Predictions | We predict that the trees in parks and vacant land will be healthier overall than those in residential areas. Although park trees may face more human caused injuries, such as markings, there is an unlimited space to grow (unlike trees in residential areas), professional care, and more direct sunlight. |
| Experimental Design | 1. Find 6 total trees in various environments and locations. (park, residential, tree groove, nature center, etc) 2. Write observations of the wildlife in and around the tree, the leaves, any signs of sickness, any markings or cankers, and the overall appearance of the 6 trees 3. Measure the height and circumference of the 6 trees using the DBH method. 4. Compare the height and circumference of the 6 trees with the average height and circumference of each respective tree species. 5. Compare the cosmetics and appearance of the trees to a healthy tree of the respective species, found online 6. Using the quantitative data (height and circumference), determine whether those factors of the tree are healthy 7. Using the qualitative data (cosmetics and appearance), make a judgement of whether the tree is healthy The variables we are observing are the height, circumference, leaves, cankers, markings, wildlife, and signs of sickness. |
| Investigation Theme | TREE |
| Grade Level | High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
| Teacher Name | Crystal Davis |
| School Name | California Academy of Mathematics and Science |
| Session | Spring 2021 |