Transcription

1 Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth! Nancy Peterson, PLT State Coordinator UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation

2 Overview What is PLT? Who uses it? Curriculum Resources Programs

3 Project Learning Tree Is a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works for: o healthy forests o quality environmental education o informed decision-making about our communities and our world

4 What is PLT? A Comprehensive EE Program High quality, PreK-12 EE curriculum materials Implemented through professional development workshops Diverse, international network of partners

5 How PLT Works in Florida? State Coordinator Steering Committee Facilitators PLT Schools & PLT EE Centers PLT Trained Educators Florida PLT is a partnership program of:

6 What (or who) is FPLT? A large volunteer network of professionals who conduct educator training workshops

7 Who Uses PLT? Classroom Teachers Youth Group Leaders Day Care Facilities Nature Center Staff Parents Community Groups Government Agencies Resource Professionals Museums, Zoos

8 Increase students' understanding of our complex environment Stimulate critical & creative thinking PLT's Mission PLT uses the forest as a "window on the world" to Develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues Instill the confidence & commitment to take responsible action on them. "Teaches Students How to Think, Not What to Think

9 PLT s Curricula Easily incorporated into existing curricula Interdisciplinary Hands-on, experiential, & student centered Correlated to Standards In line with education reform

10 PLT Curricula - Early Childhood Early Childhood Experiences Activity Guide, 3-6 Year Olds Child s need to explore & discover Communicate ideas in expressive ways Integrating music, movement, nature exploration, literature, art and cognitive components PLT Music and Movement CD *Complements Prek-8 EE Guide

11 PLT Curricula Prek-8 (Easily adapted to High School and College) PreK-8 EE Activity Guide (96 Activities) On-line in Florida & National PLT On-line: Florida Urban Forests Supplement What is a Healthy Forest (on-line) Literacy and Nature (3 rd 7 4 th grades) Energy and Society Kit

12 PLT Curricula- Secondary Secondary Modules- Grades 9-12 (easily modified for middle school and college students) Focus on Forests Municipal Solid Waste Focus on Risk Forests of the World Places We Live (On-line workshop in Florida) Biodiversity Biotechnology Beyond the Trees (On-line Florida focused) Southeastern Forests and Climate Change (on-line)

13 Incorporate PLT into curriculum Conduct environmental investigations (energy, school site, waste and recycling, water and environmental quality) Take action to create sustainable school environments GreenSchools!

14 On-line Resources- Florida

15 On-line Resources-

16 PLT Schools Designation Staff Training At least 50% of the teachers have participated in a PLT workshop from a Pre-K or elementary school or 50% of teachers from a subject or grade level in a middle or high school. 80% of trained teachers use PLT activities in their lessons or have a PLT Week. Designated PLT School Coordinator Submits Annual Report PLT School Coordinator encouraged to become a facilitator Submits Annual Report Benefits PLT School banner Plaque Tree Trunk of teaching aids Opportunity to participate in the professional

17 PLT EE Center Designation Benefits An annual certificate Hold at least one PLT educator workshop a year Have a staff member or volunteer become a PLT Facilitator Included in professional development opportunities Ability to apply for grant funding for environmental education projects

18 Grant Programs: PLT Grants up to $1,000 for students to complete environmental service-learning projects. Integrates community service with the academic curriculum. Combines the environmental knowledge and resources of PLT with community action initiatives.

19 Questions?