Submission Type
Poster
Start Date
4-26-2021
Abstract
Dendrochronology focuses on using trees as archives of past climatic changes for a given region. This project focuses on creating a paleoclimate-centered accessible learning experience for K-12 teachers that integrates local climate proxies in the classroom creating place-based experiences connecting students to the effects of climate change. Four tree species: Beech, Sugar Maple, Black Locust, and Hop Hornbeam, were collected from a local glacially-formed hill (from the Last Glacial Maximum) in Geneseo, NY. These trees died and were removed in August 2020, dried for 6+ months, and sanded (40-800 grit) until rings were visible. Annual growth rings were counted from the center of the tree ring to the inner bark for all samples to determine age. Tree ring stress rankings were developed for tree ring correlation, periods of thin ring growth indicated stress and reduced growth commonly caused by unseasonably warm periods or drought. The four local tree rings showed over 50 years of climate data marking an increase of thin tree rings from 1980 to 2020, indicating a rise in regional temperature. This dendrochronology-paleoclimate activity will be simplified for secondary classrooms focusing on local climate, demonstrating seasonal patterns, and illustrating global changes of past, current, and future climates.
Recommended Citation
Raffa, Grace, "219— Using Dendrochronology for Place-Based K-12 Paleoclimate Lessons" (2021). GREAT Day Posters. 94.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2021/posters-2021/94
Included in
219— Using Dendrochronology for Place-Based K-12 Paleoclimate Lessons
Dendrochronology focuses on using trees as archives of past climatic changes for a given region. This project focuses on creating a paleoclimate-centered accessible learning experience for K-12 teachers that integrates local climate proxies in the classroom creating place-based experiences connecting students to the effects of climate change. Four tree species: Beech, Sugar Maple, Black Locust, and Hop Hornbeam, were collected from a local glacially-formed hill (from the Last Glacial Maximum) in Geneseo, NY. These trees died and were removed in August 2020, dried for 6+ months, and sanded (40-800 grit) until rings were visible. Annual growth rings were counted from the center of the tree ring to the inner bark for all samples to determine age. Tree ring stress rankings were developed for tree ring correlation, periods of thin ring growth indicated stress and reduced growth commonly caused by unseasonably warm periods or drought. The four local tree rings showed over 50 years of climate data marking an increase of thin tree rings from 1980 to 2020, indicating a rise in regional temperature. This dendrochronology-paleoclimate activity will be simplified for secondary classrooms focusing on local climate, demonstrating seasonal patterns, and illustrating global changes of past, current, and future climates.
Comments
Sponsored by Jacalyn Wittmer Malinowski