DENDROCHRONOLOGY FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: DETERMINING THE AGE AND PAST ENVIRONMENTS OF THE BLACK FOREST REGION, COLORADO, USA

Paul K Grogger
,
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
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Summary

The use of dendrochronology in determining the geologic history of a location. The development of an understanding how tree growth can indicate the relationships between climate, geomorphology, ecology and archeology.

Context

Audience:

general public

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered:

None

How the activity is situated in the course:

One day-long field assignment during a six-day course.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity:

The use of dendrochronology to determine climatic change.

Geologic skills:

Collecting statistical data and relating the data to the development of vegetation in relationship to geomorphic features.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity:

Learning the need for mathematical capibility, understanding of timeframes, and communication skills.

Other skills goals for this activity:

Algebra formulation, prediction, cycle development in relationship to time.

Description of the activity/assignment

The use of dendrochronology in determining the geologic history of a location. The development of an understanding how tree growth can indicate the relationships between climate, geomorphology, ecology and archeology.

Evaluation

Developed an understanding of the use of tree stumps, increment borer and the necessary mathematics to determine the climatic and timeframe differences in an area.

The evaluation of the field report.

Logistics

Mental capability, increment borer, scale tools, and hand lens.

The lack of understanding of the variability in the development of tree rings.

Poster Presentation