Year Long Tree Study Project

The purpose of this year long study is to closely observe a tree over an extended period of time. Many organisms in nature demonstrate repeating cycles and we often take the details and the cycles for granted. This year we’ll stop to “smell the roses”, so to speak!

Over the course of the year, we’ll take time to examine specific organs of the tree. Leaves will be emphasized in October, stems in November, etc. However, the September report will likely be the longest since there is much to observe and describe when beginning a new relationship!! There will be NO monthly update due during the month of December. The last report will be due in May. A spring report will include not only your monthly observations, but will also include general information about the genus of the tree you have been observing this year.

Each month, I will provide you with questions to be addressed in that month’s report. The questions will serve as guides to aid you in obtaining facts you will need to understand your tree. You may certainly go beyond these questions, and are encouraged to do so. Your actual observations should be made at least two (2) weeks after the previous month’s due date. It is important to allow time to lapse in order to notice changes. When reporting, please indicate the exact date observations were made. You may type or hand write your monthly report and will need to include photos during 2 different seasons; details to follow.

One goal of this project is to enable you to identify different types of trees based on what you observe. This goal will be easier for you to reach if you make close observations of the features of the leaves and stems (branches) for many tree guides focus on these organs.

A second goal of this project is to provide you with the opportunity to collect weather data. Various aspects of weather influence events in nature. You will record precipitation amounts, daily high and low temperatures, and daily duration of sunlight. This data will be graphed monthly.

Another goal of this project is to make you aware of when changes occur in nature. Often we are SO busy that we do not take the few minutes needed to notice the display nature provides for us. This assignment requires you to take notice, and describe what you see. The skills of observing and describing/defining are essential to a scientist in all fields of study.

I hope you enjoy this project and come to appreciate the work of nature as you observe and describe the seasonal cycle of a tree!


Check the reverse side for the entire list of monthly tree reports due dates.

DUE DATES of the MONTHLY REPORTS are as follows:

September 26, 2003 October 24, 2003

November 21, 2003 December 19, 2003 ----- graphs ONLY

January 16, 2004 February 12, 2004

March 11, 2004 April 21, 2004

May 20, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

September--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your detailed description of the tree and its setting
* samples and / or photos (optional this month)---in plastic sleeves
* vocabulary pertinent to this study
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

October--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your monthly update completed
* hand out material on leaves and text readings (p. 231-235; others...)
* labs---chromatography; photosynthesis of Elodea (p. 801)
* optional extra samples and / or photos ( if not in September report)
* vocabulary special to leaves
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

November--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your monthly update completed
* hand out material on stems and text readings (p. 227-230)
* microscope work--- prepared slides; others
* mounted sample of a terminal twig with structures labeled
* vocabulary special to stems
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

December--- * monthly introduction sheet
* photo of the tree in its “winter condition” (optional this month)
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

January--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your monthly update completed
* photo of the tree in its “winter condition” (if not in December report)
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

February--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your monthly update completed
* handout material on roots and text reading (p. 225-226)
* bud measurement chart completed for February
* microscope work---prepared slides
* lab work---varying salt concentration effects on roots
* photo of the tree in its “winter condition” (if not in a prior report)
* vocabulary pertinent to roots
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

March--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your monthly update completed
* bud measurement chart completed for March---see February report for this
* microscope work---prepared slides
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

April--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your monthly update completed
* bud measurement chart completed for April---see February report for sheet
* genus and species identification of your tree; information about and uses
of this species---library research involved
* (optional) photo of your tree in its “spring condition”
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graphs of weather data
* graph questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report

May--- * monthly introduction sheet
* your (last!) monthly update completed
* hand out material on flowers and seeds and text readings, p. 244-246
* labs---dissections of flowers, seeds, and fruits
* (optional) photo of your tree in its “spring condition”
* completed data chart / calendar
* 3 graph of weather data
* graphs questions answered
* grading sheet for this month’s report