Educator Guide: Lab 1 - Launching an Expedition
Summary and Key Questions
Lab 1 is designed as overview of what it is like to be a scientist, from initial inspiration to getting your research funded, and as an introduction to tree-ring science. Rather than doing this lab in a classroom setting, we recommend that it be done as a homework assignment to precede the longer, and more challenging, labs that follow.
In Lab 1, students are charged with thinking about what it takes to "do science." They are introduced to the science of dendrochronology and learn how tree-ring science is done. What tools are used? What techniques can be used to prepare and analyze tree core samples to reveal the nature of past climate? They see how tree core samples are obtained and processed, and take a virtual tour of a tree ring laboratory. Then they watch videos of two accomplished dendrochronologists describe their career path and the role serendipity has played. They take a virtual trip to a tree-ring lab and then consider what kinds of special trees scientists seek to help them answer questions about how our climate has changed in the past. Students then explore the tree-ring datasets available from the International Tree-Ring Databank (IRTB) and focus on the work of one of the science investigators, and their peer-reviewed research, to help them understand how science works and how vital collaboration is to doing meaningful research in tree-ring science.
Key Questions
After completing this Lab, students will be able to answer the following questions:
Activity Overview and Teaching Materials
Detailed overview of what students will do in each part of the lab and how long it will take.
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HidePrintable Materials
Download and print files needed for each part of the lab, including student handouts and answer keys.
Teaching Notes and Tips
What you need to prepare ahead of time, and general recommendations for classroom implementation.