Trees are the obvious connection: participatory mapping for carbon storage monitoring.

Keywords: citizen science, biodiversity, trees, participatory mapping, STEAM curriculum
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Trees are more than landscape features or resources for timber and firewood, they are an important link between ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and human-environment relationships. Campus as a living laboratory engages students as citizen scientists to participate in the inventory, monitoring and quantification of tree populations over time and space as they progress through the local schools, to the university and beyond. In many school-yards, math associated with measuring trees and science activities associated with trees (i.e. NPP) can provide a robust laboratory to develop technical skills quantifying photosynthesis, biodiversity, phenology, etc. Geography field mapping and remote sensing modules will address STEAM curriculum insertion points including contributing to the global public data set GLOBE.gov. Adopt-a-pixel, now the land cover app in GLOBE Observer, connects the observer to characteristics of place and processes, through their time around the world. Visualization of change via time series of satellite imagery increases the variety of measures applicable in modelling and prediction. Stewardship and participatory mapping of trees may be the connection necessary to link humanity with climate change.