Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Teaching children from younger age the importance of trees has been enhanced with its incorporation into schools. Across the world many programs have been introduced in schools such as the importance of growing food producing plants which was a measure against the current food crisis impacting most parts of the world and also the importance of taking up chores.
Schools across the West Midlands which is Britain’s 2nd most populated county and further, have been invited to participate in a study to learn more about the ways trees grow and thrive.
The project which is referred to as BIFoR-in-a-Box, was formed by researchers at the University of Birmingham, Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR). The project gives schools the ability to apply for kits with equipment to fit a dendrometer to a tree and track it over a number of months and years for collecting data on tree growth.
This was bought about to play a role in the national curriculum, furthering students’ knowledge on a range of environmental methods such as ways trees absorb and store carbon, the ways trees take up water and its impact on climate change.
Students will further be able to provide their data to the BIFoR team, that will be utilized to gather information on tree health and behavior over a broad geographical area. Students will be able to observe the ways their trees contrast with other schools in the Midlands, the UK and even the University of Birmingham campus in Dubai.
“Our aim is to inspire the next generation of plant scientists by inviting them to contribute to a real, large-scale experiment that will help answer some important questions about trees and the influences of pollution and of climate change,” explained the Project lead, Dr Samantha Dobbie.
The significance of trees is usually taught in basic biology classes in most schools; however, the project is likely to give the students a better chance to observe and contribute to environmental protection of trees.
