Initial Publication Date: July 5, 2011

Lab 6: Trees and Paleoclimate: How Do We Know What We Know?

The lab activity described here was created by Betsy Youngman of TERC for the EarthLabs project.

Summary and Learning Objectives

Students view graphs of changing global, regional, and local temperatures from both proxy sources (e.g., tree rings; fossilized pollen) and instrumental records. They then collect and analyze a simulated sediment core from a freshwater lake and view maps and animations that demonstrate how preferred habitats of tree species migrate in concert with climate change.

After completing this investigation, students will be able to:

  • explain what "proxy data" is and give examples of how proxy data provides information about climate of the past

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Overview and Teaching Materials

Detailed overview of what students will do in each lab activity, how long it will take, and what materials are required to complete the lab.

Printable Materials

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Teaching Notes and Tips

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Student Notebooks

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Assessments

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Science Standards

Lab 6 supports following Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Additional Resources

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