Step 1 - Measure the girth.
Using a tape measure or a length of rope, measure the distance around the tree at a height of a about 1 meter from the ground. The video shows how to do this.
Getting to Know Trees
This is small set of simple activities, more suited to children aged 6 years and up, which has the children using simple tools to estimate the heights and ages of trees.
There are several activities which the children can get involved in, all of which are explained on this page. Some activities are easier than others, but there should be something for even the most 'difficult to please' child !
Estimating the Age of trees
This is a fun activity for children, and it just involves using a measuring tape and some fairly simple maths skills. For younger groups, tech could be used for the number crunching, leaving the children to concentrate on measuring only ! This activity does not involve a chainsaw !
Step 2 - Calculate the age
Once you know the girth of a tree, you can work out an approximate age using the table shown in the image above. In ideal growing conditions, trees tend to grow at a consistent rate, and at the rates shown in the image. An oak, then, that has a girth of 75 cm, will have an age of 75/1.88 = 39.89 years. Let's just call it 40 !
Step 3 - Do an audit of tree ages !
The children could be set a task to find the oldest tree in the area, or to conduct an audit of all the trees. Discussion could also be had about what might happen to the growth rate of the soil was poor or if the tree was in a spot where it struggled to get sunlight ... how might that affect the growth of the tree ?
Measuring Height
Measuring the heights of trees can be done using a variety of methods, three of which we explore here. The easiest method just uses a stick and a measuring tape. The second method uses a similar approach but involves making a very simple 'tool' and, again, a measuring tape. The third method uses a more complex tool called an inclinometer, again made by the children, which is better suited to older groups of children and can even involve some technology which is always appealing to them !
This video shows perhaps the easiest way to measure the height of a tree.
A more in-depth and slightly more accurate way of measuring the height of a tree using a similar method.
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Using an Inclinometer
This is a more complicated method for measuring tree, although it can be very accurate. It involves some maths, and reading angles, but this task can be very engaging for children as they start out by building their own scientific device ! In general, then, this task is better suited to older children, or to all groups if some tech can be put to use doing the number crunching !
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Step 1 - Build the Inclinometer
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Step 2 - Use the Inclinometer
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Step 3 - Using Tech to record data
Outdoor and Woodland Learning, Scotland.
Click the image to open the webpage for OWLS, an organisation dedicated to increasing opportunities for outdoor learning in and around woodlands. There are some terrific resources !
