A FEW WORDS ABOUT PINUS

BRUTIA

Pinus Brutia is a kind of pine tree, indigenous to the Eastern Mediterranean area and can be found up to 1200 metres above sea level in southern parts. It is also known as Turkish Pine or Calabrian Pine, although in Turkey they call it Kizilcam(Red Pine). It is close to Pinus Halepensis.

This pine tree can reach 35 metres in height, with a wide crown of branches.The bark is orange-red, thick and deeply fissured at the base of the trunk, and thin and flaky in the upper crown.The leaves (needles) are slender and light green in colour. The cones are upright, symmetrical and are 6-10 cm long.

In Samos they used the timber from these trees to make wooden fishing boats(caique). The island is well-known for its tradition in this area. The boatbuilders considered the wood from this tree ideal because it was rich in resin , which made it durable. The honey produced from this pine tree is also considered of exceptional quality.

IN ACTION AT THE FORESTThe students went on an excursion to the forest of Sevasteika, a few kilometres from our village Marathokampos. They wanted to see the pine tree and collect first hand information.

Specifically:

•They took samples from the bark, the leaves and the seeds of the tree to study.

•They measured the height of the tree using their body and a tape measure.

When the student can see the top of the tree from between his legs, then the distance from the tree to the student is the height of the tree.

•They measured the age of the tree using again the tape measure and a mathematical calculation. More specifically, we can find the age of a tree if we divide the circumference of the trunk by 2.5.

•They measured the temperature of the area at the base of the tree compared to the temperature of the environment.

• They made sculptures of trees with their bodies.

•They drew something from their experience.

IN CONCLUSION:The aim of the activity was achieved. The children returned to school happy and satisfied, knowing what this rare tree is like.

We all know that the more we know about something the more we respect and protect it.

Participating students5th GradeManolis DimitraArgyro Dimitris Vangelis NicholasAngelos GiannisGiannis AntreasEmmanuelaDimitraEvdoxosNicholas

MusicLavrendis Mahairitsas(Composer)

Sta Kamena: At the burnt