| Explore | We chose 6 trees for this research project: the Tuckeroo, Queen Palm, Ginkgo, Madagascar Almond, and two Blue Jacardanda. When observing the trees, we determined whether they had any biotic or abiotic problems. Based on our previous research, biotic problems in a tree were caused by a living organism. This could include cankers on the trunk, blotches on petals or leaves, or blights. Abiotic problems in a tree were more physical rather than biological. These problems could include broken branches from storms, exposed roots that likely get hit with lawn mower blades, or drought. In doing so, we chose these trees for its fungus growth, multiple trunks, exposed roots, sprout growth and cankers. When calculating the trees’ approximate benefits, we noticed that our calculated tree diameters (5in-12in) had a positive, direct relationship with benefits of stormwater (gal), property value, energy (kW/hr), air quality, and CO2. All of these trees were found within the same neighborhood - in a multi-family residential - so we think that examining and comparing trees across different neighborhoods could be useful for our project if possible. Possible research ideas our group is looking to explore further include the effect of tree diameter on the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed and on the exerted energy around the neighborhood. |
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| Research Question | We want to determine whether the diameter of the tree would affect the amount of CO2 absorbed. In doing so, we would analyze the relationship between the diameter of the tree and the amount of the CO2 absorbed, using the tree benefits calculator. Using the tree benefits calculator, we saw that it could determine the approximate benefits of energy, CO2, and air quality. Based on these benefits, we decided to observe whether the diameter of the tree affects the amount of CO2 absorbed. This research question examines the amount of CO2 a tree would absorb which ultimately fits into the topic of the trees benefits and health concerns, mostly pertaining to how much oxygen gets released. Using quantitative data when measuring the diameter of the tree, we can determine the amount of CO2 absorbed. |
| Predictions | With the research question, “What is the effect of tree diameter on the amount of CO2 absorbed” a possible outcome of the study can be that the larger its diameter, the more CO2 it takes in. An explanation for this is older trees have more leaves that can absorb the excess CO2 in the atmosphere. The older the tree, means that the diameter of the tree is increasing, not the height. Therefore, as the diameter of the tree increases, more leaves are being grown, resulting in more CO2 being absorbed as photosynthesis is taking place. |
| Experimental Design | The working document of our experimental design is uploaded in the files section, so please visit this section for more information. For our plan, we will be measuring 8 similar type tree’s diameter and determining the amount of CO2 being absorbed using the Tree Benefits Calculator. For this experiment, we will be testing whether the diameter of the tree affects the amount of CO2 being absorbed. The tree’s diameter will be what we measure and observe. The tree type and neighborhood will be kept constant throughout this experiment. We will be using a measuring tape to determine the diameter of the tree and inserting the tree diameter into the Tree Benefits Calculator to determine the CO2 absorbed in pounds. |
| 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 |