| In a previous article "Let's do a green science fair | | | | going to measure them. |
| project" we had a look at the effects on soil erosion | | | | This is what you will need to help you identify them: |
| and rainfall of the cutting down of the rain forests. Our | | | | * A field guide to the local trees |
| theme is still having a look at how nature works and | | | | * A notebook |
| what we can do to preserve our planet. Today we | | | | * A pen |
| are going to have a look at trees and how they grow. | | | | * Colored pencils |
| We are going to try and understand why they differ in | | | | This is what you need to do when identifying the trees: |
| different parts of the world. This is a very good | | | | 1.Whilst walking in the area you have chosen, try and |
| science fair project for someone that is interested in | | | | identify the trees according to your field guide. |
| nature and loves going for walks. Remember, when | | | | 2.Look at things such the general height and shape of |
| you are doing this science fair project to take an adult | | | | the trees. |
| with you to ensure your safety. Please do not go | | | | 3.Use the appearance of the bark as well as the |
| wandering on your own. To be honest this is probably | | | | leaves to compare with your field guide. Look at the |
| a good science fair project for adults as well! A walk | | | | color and shape of the leaves and the fruits and the |
| in nature is always relaxing. | | | | seeds of the trees to help you. |
| In different parts of the world trees grow differently | | | | 4.Make meticulous notes and drawings for your |
| according to the kind of weather you get in different | | | | display. |
| parts of the world. This is a good science fair project | | | | 5.Give attention to the height of the trees to help you. |
| to not only learn about trees but also what the effect | | | | 6.If it is possible take samples of the leaves, fruit and |
| of weather is on the way that trees grow. Trees can | | | | seeds. (Do not pick them from the trees, as that is |
| be studied in your garden or when you go for a walk | | | | mostly forbidden as people damages the trees, only |
| in a park. Choose an area that has a lot of different | | | | collect leaves, fruit and seeds that has fallen of |
| trees that you can study. | | | | naturally.) |
| First we need to know a little more about trees in | | | | 7.To use them as a part of your display, press them |
| general before we continue. You get several different | | | | between the pages of a book. (Place them between |
| kinds of trees. In the tropical rainforest, at the equator, | | | | tissue paper to prevent their juices damaging your |
| the weather never changes much and winter and | | | | book.) |
| summer have temperatures that are very close | | | | 8.When you get home, do your display and note what |
| together. We have already seen how the trees | | | | characteristics you have used to decide on each tree. |
| influence the rainfall in our previous article. In the tropical | | | | 9.Give meticulous details of all the reasons such as |
| forests most trees are evergreen as heat and water | | | | color and shape of leaves, fruit or seeds. |
| are not a problem. In areas where the weather is | | | | 10.Try to read up on the trees and use it as motivation |
| moderate trees have broad leaves that they shed | | | | for your decisions. |
| during winter to slow down the tree's metabolism and | | | | Now you know more about trees, their leaves and |
| conserve water for when it is less plentiful because | | | | seeds, can you understand why cutting out the rain |
| the ground water is frozen and this also reduces | | | | forests are such a bad idea? |
| damage by frost. | | | | This is a very good science fair project for budding |
| Our first project is going to be to try and identify some | | | | biologists. |
| trees in our area and then in a later project we are | | | | |