Measuring Carbon In A Tree

Learners measure trees in or near their school and calculate the amount of carbon stored in individual trees. This activity gives context to the amount of carbon that might be stored currently on the school site. This can be compared to other carbon sources and sinks and act as a starting point for discussion of the value and potential impact of tree planting to help mitigate climate change. Learners will apply fieldwork techniques, use simple equations and carry out calculations to measure carbon in trees. 

©Trustees of the Natural History Museum. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

RMetS Quality Mark Content December 2024

< 30 minutes
KS3
KS4

Preparation

What you need

  • a copy of NHM measuring carbon in trees guidance
  • measuring tape
  • calculator

Location

Outdoors

Step by step

  1. Download the guidance in the resources section.
  2. Read the guidance for step by step instructions.