Description
Analyze tree ring data to collect indirect evidence about how the climate of a region has changed over time. In this series of 3 investigations, students identify patterns and differences in tree rings, compare climate data with tree formation, analyze data from tree rings in an area, and construct an argument about what is happening with the climate in the region.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school biology course.
Time Requirement
Teacher prep, 30 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 1 week (145 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-ESS3-5. Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth’s systems.
Crosscutting Concepts
Stability and Change
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS3.D: Global Climate Change
Science and Engineering Practices
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the differences between weather and climate.