Investigating Trees: Using a Dichotomous Key
In this set of activities, students identify the types of trees that are in their schoolyard and around their neighborhoods. Students are encouraged to use inquiry methods to develop their own systems of classifying the trees. They are expected to present their classification to others. Students will also be using dichotomous tree identification keys to further explore typical methods of tree classification. Students will be able to compare their own system of classification to what they see in the dichotomous key.
Note: The online tree ID key link on the site will not work. Here are some guides for TN plants.
https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1756.pdf
http://forestry.tennessee.edu/treeid.htm
Math Connection: Teachers may also make it an option for students to measure the length of their leaves and make a graph to compare the different length leaves of various types of trees.
Students will use a dichotomous key to identify trees around their school.
