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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

DIY Dendrometer

There are two parts to the DIY Dendrometer resources: 

Part A focusses on how trees grow and their role within both the carbon cycle and the water cycle. Learners are encouraged to take part in a citizen science project which involves creating and installing a DIY dendrometer. Emphasis is placed on planning an investigation involving fieldwork, writing a method, assessing risks and making predictions. (Scroll down the page to access the downloadable files to support part A.)

Learning objectives:

  • Identify the different cells and tissues that make up transport systems in plants
  • Describe how to install a dendrometer
  • Apply knowledge to make predictions

In part B learners create and install a DIY dendrometer. Tree measurements and environmental observations are then recorded using the field work data collection sheet. These can then be submitted to the BIFoR In a Box citizen project which is collecting data on the growth of trees over time. Emphasis is placed on working as a group to carry out field work safely and effectively. (The videos below demonstrate these activities. The downloadable files which are available to the bottom of this page, also support these activities.)

Learning objectives:

  • Create and install a DIY dendrometer
  • Collect data to address a research question
  • Reflect on the accuracy of measurements taken and how to improve them

Assembling and installing the band

 

How to measure the diameter of the tree

 

Measuring tree height

 

Unpacking the box 

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Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.

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Download all files as a .zip17.69 MB
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
Subject(s)Climate Change, Science, Practical work
Age11-14, 14-16, 16-19
Published2020 to date
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Direct URLhttps://www.stem.org.uk/rxj7tm

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