Measuring Our Resources

ACER started this project in 2004 to enable students, clubs, groups, or individuals to accurately collect data and to monitor forests in their schools, neighbourhoods, etc.

For teachers, this is a cross curriculum, multi-grade method where students can —hands-on— address and learn about climate change. ACER will teach you how to roll this program out at your own school, and support you on the way.

ACER will also teach you how to map your schoolyard and inventory your trees (the techniques used in this program range from pacing to GPS/GIS). A basic tree inventory is carried out on trees of all sizes and reported using Excel.

Measuring Our Resources enhances curriculum in mathematics, literacy, science and geography by involving core learning in grades 7-12. It builds interpersonal communication skills as the project requires extensive teamwork by the students.

Students participate in a field study to collect and manage authentic data which enhances knowledge of climate change.

This program can be incorporated into lesson plans and meets the academic standards in the Ontario Curriculum. For example:
✓ Develop map making skills.
✓ Use GPS technology to locate trees.
✓ Measure perimeters and diameters; understand graphs and tables.
✓ Plant growth and adaptations, ecosystem functions, weather and climate.
✓ This program is adaptable to small green spaces such as boulevards, parks, churches and naturalized areas.

Role Cards: Download a set of instructions developed by ACER on how to measure your own resources