Embedded Files
Aim of the Activity
To investigate, estimate and collect data of trees to make an informed decision about the height of a tree
Target Year Level
Year 4 - 8
Curriculum Alignment
Science, Mathematics
Things you will need
2 people
A pencil
A ruler or measuring tape
A tall tree, large and tall boulder or tall building
Description of the Activity
Walk around the garden or your neighbourhood and look at the various trees surrounding you. Are there some really tall gum trees? Ever asked yourself how can I measure it?
Choose a tree, boulder or building to measure. One person stands near the tree, and the person walks away from it. Make sure the person who is walking away from the tree has the pencil and measuring device
As you walk further away, remember to turn to look at the object you are measuring every now and then. Hold your pencil upright vertically in your hand against your object, comparing the height to your pencil
When the bottom and top of the pencil match the height of bottom and top of your object, stop there. there is no need to continue to walk further away
Turn the pencil from vertical to horizontal position so the bottom of the pencil lines up with the base of the object
Tell your partner who is standing next to the object to walk in the horizontal direction of the pencil away from the object. When they are at the tip of the pencil, tell them to stop walking
Walk back to your partner and measure the distance of where they are standing back towards the base of your object. this distance is the approximate height of your object
Write down your data collection:
What is the distance from base of tree to partner is:
The estimated height of the tree is:
Questions to talk about with your child
How do you think scientists collect data?
Why is data important?
Why do we need to measure objects?
How does measuring a tree height give information to a scientist?
Links for further learning
http://www.farmforestline.com.au/pages/6_tree_forest_meas.html
Report abuse