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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLT Curricula- Secondary 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 Secondary Modules- Grades 9-12 (easily modified for middle school and college students)

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

On-line Resources- Florida

On-line Resources-

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

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

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.

Questions?