What can tree rings teach us about a tree's life? Objective Students will understand the importance of tree rings. Background Whitebark pines are proving to be very valuable to scientists doing work in dendrochronology , the dating of past events through the study of tree ring growth. (Dendro- = trees, chronology = happenings through time.) Paleoclimatology, on the other hand, includes dendrochronology and is the study of past climate for the time prior to instrumental weather instruments. Paleoclimatologists use clues from natural "proxy" sources such as tree rings, ice cores, corals, and oce Duration: 90 Minutes Additional Standards: NGSS MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. Essential Question What can tree rings teach us about a tree's life? Objective Students will understand the importance of .