One of a series of general interest publications on science issues, this booklet describes the uses of tree rings in historical and biological recordkeeping. Separate sections cover the following topics: dating of tree rings, dating with tree rings, tree ring formation, tree ring identification, sample collections, tree ring cross dating, tree…

This volume is the second in a series of atlases describing the natural distribution or range of native tree species in the United States. The 82 species maps include 32 of trees in Alaska, 6 of shrubs rarely reaching tree size, and 44 more of common shrubs. More than 20 additional maps summarize environmental factors and furnish general…

Author has found that zeroing in on a particular tree can lead to expanding a child's interest concerning trees everywhere. (RB)

Sumac can be used in every season to represent such concepts as species variation, the food web, and natural foods and dyes. This article briefly discusses the sumac family, the relationship of the carpenter bee (Ceratina dupla) and the staghorn sumac, and the uses of the sumac in the kitchen and the craftsman. (NQ)

This hands-on science unit includes a beginners' and an advanced activity involving tree sap, as well as a brief description of a maple sap harvest. (CB)

Trees of all varieties in mid-spring are surprising yet perfect examples of flowering plants. Provides descriptions and photographs of many trees that can be studied. (NEC)

Presents an activity in which students use a discovery approach to learn about seed texture, similarities and differences among seeds, and which seeds grow on which trees. (MKR)

Uses diagrams and text to describe four activities involving trees designed to aid students in better understanding responses to seasonal changes (ZWH)

The author presents a dichotomous key to 29 tree cones, fruits, and nuts of eastern United States. Students can use the key to identify at least 10 species in a 1-hour laboratory assignment. This key uses reproductive structures that are significantly different from others. These structures are durable enough to be used in the laboratory for many…

This bulletin describes 46 of the more common trees found in Minnesota's forests and windbreaks. The bulletin contains two tree keys, a summer key and a winter key, to help the reader identify these trees. Besides the two keys, the bulletin includes an introduction, instructions for key use, illustrations of leaf characteristics and twig…

Provides: (1) background information on trees, focusing on the parts of trees and how they differ from other plants; (2) eight activities; and (3) ready-to-copy pages dealing with tree identification and tree rings. Activities include objective(s), recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

The food preservative sorbic acid can be extracted from Eurasian mountain ash berries (commercially available) and used to show antifungal properties in microbiological investigations. Techniques for extraction, purification, ultraviolet analysis, and experiments displaying antifungal activity are described. A systematic search for similar…

Lists the Indian uses of sixty plants found in the Pipestone National Monument Aboretum in Minnesota. Suggests that similar arboretums be planted in schools to provide students with the opportunity of becoming familiar with these native plants and how they contributed to the lives of American Indians and early settlers. (JR)

This activity guide provides children in grades kindergarten through six with hands-on learning experiences while they nurture an acorn into a young oak tree. Each of 10 activities and numerous extensions help students gain awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the important role oaks play in the natural and cultural history associated…