YOUR CHALLENGE:
Have you ever noticed how nice it is to step under a shady tree in the summer? How much of a relief is it from the harsh sun? Trees are excellent shade providers and can block the sun’s heat energy from reaching you. This year, you will explore the importance of trees in helping us stay cool. In your schoolyard or within your community, conduct an experiment using this Research Guide to compare how the canopy of different tree species affects temperature. Collect tree measurements, temperature and weather data, and observations for at least two different trees using the data template provided. Perform the measurements on the same two trees at the same time of day for three weeks (weeks do not have to be consecutive). Create a field journal where you describe your experiment and methods, share your data, and explain what you learned through your experiment. Be sure to include photos, drawings, and descriptions of ways that trees are helpful in keeping us cool. Download PDF for this info on one page
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Field journal including a combination of text, labeled drawings, photos and graphs summarizing the methods and experiment. Field journal must include descriptions of observations made by students as well as reflections to questions described in the protocol resource. Journal must include either the provided templates or the information described in the templates. |
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Following this Research Guide, please collect the following data for your experiment:
- Type of tree (common name or scientific genus)
- Tree circumference (in centimeters)
- Canopy circumference (in centimeters)
- Ground temperature at locations specified in the template (in degrees Celsius).
- Weather Conditions (Sunny, Partly Cloudy, or Mostly Cloudy)
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The title page of the field journal must clearly indicate school name, teacher name(s), how many students or classes were involved in the collection of data and creation of the journal, and grade levels of the students that participated. |
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Dimensions of the field journal must be 8.5″ x 11″ or less. The journal must include a maximum of 12 double-sided pages, excluding the front and back cover pages.
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Digital Entry Form |
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Physically submit all field journals delivered in person or mailed to Fairchild Challenge via certified mail to 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida 33156, ATTN: Education Department. Hand deliver entries any day of the week M-Sun, 10a-5p at the South/Employee entrance, or drop off at the Visitor Center. |
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Electronic uploads of field journals will not be reviewed.
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One submission per school.
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Materials provided during Challenge Launch AND during a material pick up week (one set of materials per school):
- Temperature sensor
- Measuring tape
- String
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On-time submission. Late submissions will be accepted with a reduction in points. |
CHALLENGE RESOURCES:
