What's killing these trees?

Students will define the problem by identifying dead pine trees in aerial images of the Uinta Mountains. They'll determine whether the amount of dead trees currently found is significantly different than the historic average and identify the resources a tree needs to survive along with clues that can tell them which resources the trees may not be getting. Students will analyze tree samples and images to gather evidence that can help explain what's happening to these trees. Finally, they will use historical temperature and precipitation data to develop an explanation for why this montane environment is changing.

How many lodgepole pines are dying?

(50 minutes)

What is killing the lodgepole pines?

(70 minutes)

Why now?

(50 minutes)

And why is it worse now than in the past?

(30-60 minutes)