Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1004948
e spring trip incorporates a "tree cookie lab." Here, students study slices of a tree trunk that show rings and growth seasons, observing the growth rings and thinking about what would create a strong growth season compared to one with less growth. Dendrochronology is even discussed—how scientists and historians can discover the history of the forest through studying rings. (For example, students learned that there was a forest fire in Black Rock in 1910.) Winter provides evidence of a time of dormancy, whereas the spring leaves behind a marker ring—this observation lends further depth into an understanding of life cycles. Students also participate in a tree-coring activity with Black Rock's rangers. e ranger demonstrates a method of identifying a tree's age by drilling into the tree and removing a small sliver that shows the tree rings. e students are relieved to hear that the removed sliver will refill with sap, leaving the tree healthy and unharmed. ere is a special connection to trees that extends beyond these lessons. Although Mr. Soloff has been teaching the Tree Study for 33 years, he and Associate Teacher Heather Mohamed maintain that no two years are alike. Each year, there is a new group of students with equally inquisitive minds, but they may not be interested in the same things. ese differences encourage dynamism, with the students helping to guide and shape their own unique study. According to Ms. Mohamed, Mr. Soloff is methodical about every step of the process, but she explains that "it's transformative from when we start. e kids' curiosity is guiding us toward how we ultimately explore the curriculum." At the end of the year, the class partici- pates in a symbolic ceremony, in which they discuss the web of life and its connectivity. Students give their tree a spirit name, and promise to remain its guardian. e study captures the story of pollination, dissection of seeds and flowers, the plant's processes (such as photosynthesis and transpiration), and each part of the fruit, stem, seed, and flower, which all play a part in the life cycle. ere is a special connection to trees that extends beyond these lessons. Wherever he is, Mr. Soloff is always aware of the trees around him. He believes that if students gain a piece of that awareness, then they are living more fully in the world. is, in his mind, is the most enduring lesson. ■