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TREE PROJECTDuring the past few weeks, you have been learning about a dichotomous keys. You have learned how to correctly identify organisms based on their characteristics. For the purpose of this project, you will collect leaf specimens and create a dichotomous key. Project Requirements:

You are to collect and identify 10 different leaves from different trees. You will also need to collect data about each leaf specimen/tree. Data is to include:

o identification by entire common and scientific name (genus + species), o a rubbing on white paper of the tree's bark (use side of a crayon, no

photographs of bark accepted!), o measurement of the tree's girth (the distance around the trunk) to include an

estimate of the tree's age, o an estimate of the tree's height, o notes on the habitat in which the tree is growing and notes on birds, insects

and other animals which use the tree for food or shelter. o You can also make observations about the type of lichens, if any, growing on

the tree. o In addition to the above, information should be included on any possible uses

for the tree and interesting facts (ex. when you crush the leaves they smell like pineapples).

o You must also create a dichotomous key to identify your 10 leaf specimens.

Please Note: Avoid poisonous plants. When in doubt, "leaves of 3, let it be!" Projects containing poisonous leaves will not be accepted resulting in a zero.All of this information is to be attached within abraded folder or small 3 ring binder and organized in the following order:

1. Title page with your first and last name, class period and entitled "The Tree Project."

2. Your dichotomous key which identifies the tree by entire common name (not just oak" or "pine").

3. Whole leaf specimen (covered with a plastic bag, clear contact paper, and/or a pocket protector) identified by entire common and scientific name

4. Tree bark rubbing followed by a page(s) with tree girth measurement including age of tree, estimate of the tree's height, notes on habitat/location found, animals, birds, insects using the tree for shelter or food, notes or observations on lichens, uses for the tree and interesting facts.

Each leaf specimen is to be numbered from one to ten. Repeat the above for each leaf/tree.

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Typed pages are preferred but not required. Neatness, organization, and the use of metric measurements are also required for this project. The project must be printed and assembled prior to being brought to school. Please, do not bring your project to school on a flash drive or any other technology device. Your work needs to be your own. Plagiarism rules will apply to this project. Projects created from internet pictures will not be accepted.We will be taking a fieldtrip to Cullen Park on February 10, 2015. While at the park, you will have time to complete a portion of your project. You will however, need to collect leaves from other places. The Tree Project is due:_________________________________________This project will count as a major test grade on your 5th Six Weeks report card. There will be 10 points deducted for each day late. Below are some helpful tips in creating you project.

You can also search metric conversion on google.Collecting leaves process…..

1. Collect as many different leaves as you can. Arrange them carefully on sheets of paper towel.

2. Start with four layers of folded newspaper on a flat, hard surface. Next put a paper towel with leaves on top of it. Add another sheet of paper towel and then newspaper on top of it

3. Go on adding layers until you have a stack no more than 6 inches high. Put some heavy book or telephone directories on top and leave it for 2 to 3 weeks until the leaves are quite dry.

4. Stick your leaves onto sheets of paper to make a picture or keep them in a folder.5. You may use the provided websites or tree guides to identify the trees

common and scientific name using the leaf.

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Estimating the height…….1. Take 29 equal paces away from

the tree. Ask a friend to hold a stick upright at that point.

2. Walk another pace away from the tree. Crouch or lie down so that your eye is as low as the ground.

3. Look past the stick to the top of the tree. Ask your friend to raise or lower their hand on the stick until the bottom of their hand lines up with the tree's top. Measure the distance from their hand to the ground in inches and multiply it by ten to give you the rough height of the tree.

Bark Rubbings….As the trunk expands the bark cracks and flakes. Each kind of tree has its own pattern of cracks and marks which can help you to recognize it. To make a bark rubbing, tape or pin (or have someone hold) a sheet of paper against the trunk and rub it with a thick wax crayon until the markings show up clearly.

Girth Measurement; How old is the tree?You do not have to cut down a tree to estimate its age. You can work it out from its girth—the distance around the trunk. Choose a tree that is growing freely on open ground. Use a 6 foot tape measure. Measure the girth of the tree about 3 feet above the ground. A tree adds 1 inch to its girth every year on average. So, if the tree measures 15 inches around, it is about 15 years old.

Creating a dichotomous key….You should use lined paper if you are not typing. Remember each question number should have an a & b question.

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Here is some additional website links that may help you.

To identify trees:

1. http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/idByLeaf/ 2. http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/howToID/ 3. http://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/ 4. http://www.texastreetrails.org/leaftwigidlinks.html 5. http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Trees

How to press leaves:

1. http://www.wikihow.com/Press-Leaves 2. http://gardening.about.com/od/craftsanddecor/ss/Preserve_Leaves.htm

How to create a dichotomous key:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM2h4oQjTPs 2. http://classroom.synonym.com/make-dichotomous-key-using-word-2415.html 3. http://www.ehow.com/how_7788072_make-dichotomous-key-online.html

Contact Paper:

Can be found at Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, and/or Jo-Ann Fabrics.

http://www.google.com/search?q=tree+height&oq=tree+height&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.2032j0j9&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl#safe=active&q=metric+conversion+