ACTIVITY

Calculate the carbon storage of a tree!

Description. 

Do you have trees in your local area and would like to find out how much they are helping the climate carbon storage? Let’s measure it using an app ‘CMyTrees’ and create a map of trees of your school area.

Intention

Students identify their local tree species, do some geometry exercises and then can find out the carbon footprint of trees. Build personal connections with the trees that surround them cause they know their value

1

Prepare before the lesson

Install the CMyTrees app on devices, test it once, and gather materials: measuring tapes, tree ID guides, notebooks or recording sheets.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Organise students into groups

Assign simple roles such as identifier, measurer, recorder, and app helper.

5

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.

6

 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.

7

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.

GreenComp:
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Investigate
THEME:
Nature & biodiversity
TIME: 60 minutes
AGE: 10-12 years, 13-15 years

SUBJECTS:

  • Nature sciences
  • Mathematics

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

  • Smartphones or tablets with the CMyTrees app (Google Store) app installed
  • Measuring tape or meter sticks
  • Printable tree ID guides or a local field guide app
  • Clipboards or notebooks for recording data
  • Access to your schoolyard or nearby green space

METHODS:

    RESOURCES: