Description
Students identify their local tree species, do some geometry exercises and find out the carbon footprint of trees.
Intention
By understanding the carbon footprint of trees, students’ connection to the trees might change.
Install the CMyTrees app on devices, test it once, and gather materials: measuring tapes, tree ID guides, notebooks or recording sheets.
This brick is 60 minute field trip, providing that the trees are in the nearby school area. If you have to walk further to find different types of trees, the activity will take a little longer.
Introduce the activity
Explain that students will identify and measure local trees to find out how much carbon they store. Share the intention of building a personal connection with nearby trees.
Explain what to measure
Show students how to identify tree species and how to measure trunk circumference and estimate tree height. Demonstrate the method briefly.
Organise students into groups
Assign simple roles such as identifier, measurer, recorder, and app helper.
Go outside and collect data
Students choose trees, identify species, measure circumference and height, input data into the CMyTrees app, and record everything on paper as backup.
Create a simple tree map
Back in the classroom, mark each measured tree on a paper or digital map of the school grounds. Add species, measurements, and carbon storage.
Compare results and reflect
Discuss which trees store the most carbon, what patterns students notice, and why their local trees matter for climate and community.
Didactic tips
- Measure more than one tree. Comparing different species and sizes helps students discover patterns in carbon storage.
- Connect maths to nature. Highlight how measurements and geometry are used to answer real environmental questions.
- Encourage predictions. Before using the app, ask students to guess which tree stores the most carbon and explain why.
- Link local to global. End by discussing how many small local actions, such as protecting mature trees, contribute to climate solutions.