We are really lucky here at St James’ as we have so much green space filled with trees. We have been learning that trees, shrubs, leaf litter and soil all store carbon, keep our planet cool and help to block out noise. Carbon, if released, has a negative effect on our environment and contributes to climate change. Therefore, looking after our green spaces is crucial for future generations.
This morning, Year 5 and 6 carried out fieldwork to work out how much carbon is stored inside the trees around our school grounds. Children gathered the equipment needed and headed off around our green spaces, including our wonderful forest school.
We ensured we always measured the girth of each tree 1.3 metres above the ground. This helped provide a good estimate of the dry weight of timber, and therefore the carbon, stored in the tree.
Here’s what some of our children (and adults) had to say:
Moving around through the trees was fantastic and it made me feel peaceful – Madeleine
I enjoyed exploring the boundaries of the school. I liked working outside in nature – Oliver.
I felt jovial and I enjoyed this type of learning – Willow
We went on adventures to find some thicker trees to measure – Jacob
I learned that there is more carbon dioxide in trees than I thought and I enjoyed being outside looking at the different trees – Kiara
I really enjoyed measuring the trees, it was a surprise that they were so wide – Leo S
My group measured the girth using string and next lesson we will work out the carbon stored – Emily G
It surprised me that the girth of the trees can be so thick. One tree was 220cm! – Chloe
It was wonderful seeing the children learning and enjoying themselves out in nature – Mr Kilner
The children conducted themselves beautifully, ensuring they stayed safe and followed instructions – Mr Freeman
Next lesson, we will calculate the carbon stored.
Help at home – talk to your child about the fieldwork they carried out. What did they do? Are there any trees in your garden or local green space that you could measure to work out the carbon stored?
