| Explore | We have observed 6 trees throughout our observations, classified them on iNaturalist, and measured them. The first tree is a Mystery tree (we called it this because we tried very hard to identify the type of tree, even going so far as to ask scientist online, but none of them got back to us with specific answers, we just got “dicot”) that has many small branches, exposed roots and vines growing around its trunk. This tree measured about 1.8 m in height and a circumference of about 2.5 inches. We also observed a Fig tree that has interesting leaves and a twisted trunk; since it’s a potted plant we want to know if that would affect its growth. This tree measured about 5.5 m in length and has a circumference of about 11 in. Next is a Sweet Gum tree which we considered a “typical tree” but found interesting how it has no leaves during the winter, and a distinctly characterized trunk. The sweet gum tree has a height of about 8.5 m and a circumference of 14 in. We also observed a palm tree that has very unique leaves and a very long trunk in comparison to many other trees. This palm has a height of about 13 m and a circumference of about 15 in. We also identified a Cypress Cupressaceae which has many cankers and its stem and pine leaves. This tree measured about 15.2 meters in height and about 13 in for the circumference. The last tree we observed was the Southern Live Oak which also seemed like a typical tree but with intact leaves during the winter. This tree also had small, textured leaves. This tree measured about 6.7 m in height and has a circumference of about 16 in. We didn’t identify any trends in our trees. After looking at a benefits calculator we were able to see how different types of trees had different benefits in various categories. We haven’t thought up any interesting research questions but when we do we will make sure to update this section and put them here. |
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| Research Question | How do fan palm trees differ in contrasting environments such as beaches, public areas, and private residencies? (we would record the number of palms , physical condition of the roots and trunks/stems, color, and other general descriptions) |
| Predictions | We predict that in beach areas, the fan palm trees will have fewer palms (leaves); the windy conditions near beaches can heavily affect them. As known, air pollution is a detrimental factor that can harm the environment, including trees and their soil. Therefore, it is appropriate to assume that palm trees surrounding the beach will be prone to have physical differences. We predict that in private residencies, the fan palm trees will be in better condition as they aren't continuously experiencing people walking on their roots or inflicting damage on them. Moreover, households could tend to the fan palm trees by watering them, thus improve the tree's health compared to trees near the beach and public. We predict that in public areas such as the streets, the fan palm trees will be in worse conditions as their exposure to more biotic and abiotic factors will affect their health. We believe that palm trees in this environment will have more cankers and exposed roots than ones near private residencies. These areas will be open to the air pollution from car exhaust that will then affect the trees. |
| Experimental Design | - Choose three fan palm trees, one in each of the designated areas: residential (near where people live), commercial (near a for-profit business), and recreational (such as parks or beaches). - For each of the trees… -Take six pictures of its palm leaves from its base, 60 degrees apart from the last. From those pictures count the number of leaves found on each tree and record it in the data table. -Use those same pictures to write down the general color and status of the leaves (are the leaves generally healthy or dead) in your table -Look down at the base of the tree and see if any of the roots are exposed above ground. If so, record yes in the table, if no then put no. -Note the color of the tree trunk. Look 5ft, 10ft, and 15 ft off the ground and use those observations to record the general color and darkness of the trunk between the three locations. -Look all around the tree from its base to its top and record any damages or abnormalities found on the tree as well as any other life form living on or near it such as algae, vines or weeds. - Using this data, compare the different characteristics of the tree and make deductions about how their environments cause these changes. |
| 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 |