ASF: Fernbank Museum Traditional Cache

The Atlanta Science Festival presents an Urban STEM Geocache series, highlighting places where science and technology are making an impact in our region. Collect stamps from each site on your ASF Passport, available at http://atlantasciencefestival.org/geocache.

How do lasers and triangles relate to tree research in Fernbank Forest? Our 65- acre forest is home to some of the tallest trees in Atlanta. Documenting exactly how tall they are combines all the STEM fields. Fernbank's ecologist uses special instruments to calculate tree height. He uses a rangefinder to shoot a laser to the highest branch of a tree, which calculates the distance from his eye to the branch. A clinometer measures the angle at which the laser beam was shot. By creating a triangle – from the researcher's eye, to tree top, to trunk, and back – and using basic trigonometry, he can calculate precisely how tall a tree is without ever touching the tree! During the museum's guided Fernbank Forest Walks, our educators lead participants through the forest, sharing their expertise on the forest, including the latest research, seasonal changes, native biodiversity and more. Visit www.fernbankmuseum.org to join our next walk.