Climate in a Tree Stump
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: May 20, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This student activity teaches students about dendrochronology, the study of tree rings.
- Students will discover what scientists can learn from a tree stump, including the age of a tree, the climate when the tree was growing, how trees grow in differing conditions, and how extraordinary circumstances can impact the tree's rings.
- Students will evaluate the tree rings provided, answer questions, and make a timeline for the events.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This worksheet delivers meaningful information succinctly, and is extremely engaging.
- The activities included are buildable and can be very hands-on, which is excellent for visual and kinesthetic learners.
Additional Prerequisites
- The resource does a great job delivering information, but students would benefit from prior knowledge on the parts of trees and how they grow.
Differentiation
- This resource lends itself well to a gradual release delivery, where the teacher guides students through the first activity and questions on page one and then students work individually or in groups to complete the activity on page two.
- The tree timeline activity can be completed on a nature walk, using pre-cut pieces of wood, or using printed pictures of wood rings.
- As an extension, consider having students seek out and photograph a tree ring on their own. This could be accomplished in their yards or neighborhoods, or by searching images online to evaluate.
The resource underscores the techniques in estimating the climate of a place using a tree ring. The activity is appropriate and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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