Finding out how old a tree is? - Activity - Year 2

For Year 2 pupils, an engaging outdoor activity is designed to help them estimate the age of trees. The task involves children finding five trees either within the school grounds or as close to the school as possible. Once located, the children are encouraged to guess which tree they believe to be the oldest and then rank them in order of age. To test their hypotheses, they are instructed to measure the circumference of each tree at one metre above the ground, recording the measurements in centimetres. With adult assistance, they then divide the circumference by 2½ to estimate the age of each tree. After comparing their initial estimates with the calculated ages, they can see if they managed to correctly guess the age order of the trees. This activity can also be extended to include trees in the children's own gardens, fostering a connection with the natural environment at home.

It is important to note that when dealing with trees growing in woodland areas, the calculation for estimating the tree's age differs slightly. Instead of dividing the circumference by 2½, the correct factor is 1¼. This adjustment accounts for the different growing conditions in woodland environments. This activity not only teaches children about the growth of trees but also integrates practical math skills with science and nature study. Additionally, the lesson can prompt discussions about what plants and trees need to grow healthily, further expanding the educational scope of the activity.