Lesson Plan

What Can Tree Rings Tell Us About Climate?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Tree rings are slightly thicker on the south side of the tree because it receives more sunlight. Part two in a series of five lessons helps learners analyze tree rings to determine the environmental conditions that caused size differences in the rings. After writing a hypothesis, groups analyze data and build an argument to support their thoughts and findings. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Most groups will know that tree ring differences are directly proportional to precipitation; to move beyond this, incorporate the extension ideas included at the end of the lesson
Classroom Considerations
  • To complete the lab, teachers need tree cookies or cross sections of trees in order to analyze the rings; you can purchase these at the included link
  • The lesson takes three to five class periods; if teachers do some prep work (downloading data, keeping presentations short, assigning portion of lesson as homework, etc.), it will cut the time needed
Pros
  • Lesson provides background information for teachers and pupils
  • Individual worksheets, directions, and an answer key are located near the end of the lesson
Cons
  • None
Common Core