Trees and Carbon

Trees and Carbon 
Explore the trees in the forest to find out about life cycles, photosynthesis, identification, pollination, seed dispersal & germination. In a small group, pupils will measure the height and girth of one tree. From these measurements, they will be able to calculate both the age of the tree and how much carbon it is storing.

We will discuss why it is important that carbon is taken from the atmosphere and stored in plants to help mitigate climate warming.

Learning objectives

• to name and understand the different stages of plant life cycles including germination, pollination, seed formation and dispersal 
• to understand that plants capture carbon from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis
• to understand the importance of trees in relation to the climate and ecological emergency

National curriculum links
Y5 Science
Living things and their habitats

• describe the life process of reproduction in some plants and animals

Y6 Science
Evolution and inheritance

• identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution