2011 Tree Science Challenge in Benicia

USING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO PROVE THE BENEFITS OF TREES IN BENICIAout of the box

If you are a 9th through 12th grade student in the Benicia Unified School District, you are invited to participate in this science challenge. You should already be well acquainted with the scientific method. You can apply the scientific method in the Benicia 2011 Tree Science Challenge and become eligible to win an IPad for a scientific investigation that demonstrates the benefits of trees in Benicia in a way that is judged to be the most compelling and inspiring, as determined by science and civic leaders in the community.

(If you have already read the guidelines and want to go directly to the registration form, then click here.)

Start by doing a content search on the topic “benefits of trees.” You will get many pages of results. Benefits of trees might be social, communal, environmental, or economic.

As an example, the following statements from the Trees Are Good website highlight often cited benefits of trees:

  • Trees alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. Climate control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deflected by leaves on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filtered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. We are cooler when we stand in the shade of trees and are not exposed to direct sunlight. In winter, we value the sun’s radiant energy.
  • Wind speed and direction can be affected by trees. The more compact the foliage on the tree or group of trees, the greater the influence of the windbreak. The downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail is initially absorbed or deflected by trees, which provides some protection for people, pets, and buildings. Trees intercept water, store some of it, and reduce storm runoff and the possibility of flooding.
  • Temperature in the vicinity of trees is cooler than that away from trees. The larger the tree, the greater the cooling. By using trees in the cities, we are able to moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in commercial areas.
  • Air quality can be improved through the use of trees, shrubs, and turf. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates. Rain then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants—such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide—and give off oxygen.
  • By planting trees and shrubs, we return to a more natural, less artificial environment. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the area. The natural cycles of plant growth, reproduction, and decomposition are again present, both above and below ground.

Reference: Trees Are Good website: http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/tree_benefits.aspx

As an example, let’s examine one of these statements:

“Temperature in the vicinity of trees is cooler than that away from trees. The larger the tree, and the denser the tree plantings, the greater the cooling. By using trees in the cities, we are able to moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in public open spaces.”

Now, let’s apply the basic elements of the scientific method:

Let’s use the basic elements of the scientific method to prove whether this benefit or solution is provable in Benicia:

1. Define the problem or question. What problem is this benefit or solution addressing?  Large open areas or building can create a heat-island effect, heating up our cities or public spaces.

Now, as a scientist, formulate your basic research question: “Do trees, in fact, have an impact on the problem of the “heat island effect” in Benicia?

2. Gather information using one or more of the five senses. Some ways to gather information include interviewing people, observing things, using instruments or technology to gather data (such as a thermometer), or reading books and articles. Summarize your findings.

Example: “I took temperature readings in 5 locations on my school campus that are covered in asphalt or cement and have no shade. I then took temperature readings in 5 locations on my school campus that are covered in asphalt or cement and that are shaded by trees. The average temperature difference was 15 degrees Fahrenheit. These locations are shown in a Google map I made and photos show each location in detail.”

3. Form a hypothesis. Using the information you have gathered, make an educated guess about how to solve the problem or answer the question.

Example: “Based upon the data I gathered at 10 locations on my school campus, I hypothesize that if the school planted more trees, in dense plantings, temperatures on the school campus would experience a significant reduction. The formula I base this on calculates the square footage of shade provided the trees used in the data-gathering portion of this investigation.”

4. Experiment. Perform one or more experiments to test your hypothesis. Describe your experiment or experiments.

Example: “I constructed 2 temporary shade areas using black plastic; one 10 x 10 and the other 20 x 100. I placed outdoor digital thermometers at the center of each area and at locations in full sun adjacent to those areas.”

5. Make observations; record, and analyze the data.

Example: “The average temperatures taken in the larger shade area were lower than the shade in the smaller area. This data correlates with other studies I found online (references provided) that show that the density of the tree canopy is a significant factor in reducing the heat island effect.

6. State a conclusion. Did your findings prove or disprove the hypothesis?

Example: “Based upon my findings, I conclude that if schools planted more trees in dense plantings, temperatures on the school campuses would experience a significant reduction, especially if they are planted around paved areas or buildings in denser plantings.”

How do you present your findings?

A display of the site(s) where data was collected on a map, photos of the sites, and charts showing the summary of data all gathered into a scientific poster format would be one way to present your scientific investigation.

You may choose other formats to present your investigation, however, a version of your presentation in a digital format is required so that judges can consider your project more easily.

Scientific posters and presentations can be easily created in PowerPoint, a format that is readily shared via email. However, other digital formats may be used.

Sample scientific posters:

sample scientific poster

sample scientific poster 2

Reference:

The deadline for submittals is October 7, 2011 and the finalists will be announced at the Arbor Day event in Benicia City Park on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Finalists must be present in order to win.The school attended by the winning student will also be awarded a plaque, honoring the creative and intellectual accomplishment of the winning student.

Please click here to register for the challenge.

There is a release form required for all entries. Click here for the form. Email the completed and signed form to beniciatree@gmail.com or fax it to (707) 745-4546.