Name: Date: Period:

Tree Specimen Identification Field Guide Rubric

Objectives: Enjoy observing and identifying objects in nature. Learn how to identify what different types of trees are found along the Sacony Creek Trail. After identification has occurred, create a tree specimen page that includes the following: Requirements:

• Identification process o Name of species (both common and scientific) = 10 pts.o Measurements

Leaf width and length = 10 pts. Tree height and circumference = 5 pts.

o Leaf dichotomous key descriptors (numbers, letters, with information) = 25 pts.

o Geographic range of tree = 5 pts.• Leaf specimen = 10 pts. • 3 photographs

o Close-up of leaf (shows detail) = 10 pts.o Close-up of bark (shows texture) = 10 pts.o Full tree portrait (shows height and volume of tree) = 10 pts.

• 3 sketches – all in COLORo Leaf sketch (shows detail) = 10 pts.o Bark sketch (shows texture and design) = 10 pts.o Full tree sketch (rough sketch of full tree) = 15 pts.

TOTAL: ____/130 pts.

Activities to complete while outside:1. Find, collect, and identify your specimen.2. List the numbers you followed, in addition to the words, to identify your

specimen.3. Photograph your specimen, per the directions above.4. Sketch your specimen, per the directions above.

Activities to complete inside:1. Measure leaf width and length.2. Find tree height and circumference.3. Find geographic range of tree.4. Fine tune sketches, with adding color.

Arranging field guide page:1. Use information collected, following rubric from above, to put all information

gathered together, with photographs and sketches.