Empowering Educators Inspiring Youth Colorado Project Learning Tree

Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth! Colorado Project Learning Tree http: //coloradoplt. org Shawna Crocker, PLT State Coordinator Colorado State Forest Service 303 -466 -2720

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

Project Learning Tree Is a program of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 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? A Comprehensive EE Program High quality, Pre. K-12 EE curriculum materials Implemented through professional development workshops Diverse, international network of partners

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

What (or who) is COPLT? 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

PLT's Mission PLT uses the forest as a "window on the world" to • 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. "Teaches Students How to Think, Not What to Think”

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

PLT Curricula - Early Childhood Experiences Activity Guide, 3 -6 Year Olds or Online 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 Available in Spanish

PLT Curricula Prek-8 (Easily adapted to High School and College) Pre. K-8 EE Activity Guide (96 Activities) On-line www. plt. org Energy and Society Kit E-Units www. plt. org K-2 Treemendous Science 3 -5 Energy in Ecosystems 6 -8 Carbon and Climate

PLT Curricula- 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 • Southeastern Forests and Climate Change (on-line)

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

PLT Schools Designation Staff Training Benefits • PLT School bench At least 50% of the teachers have participated in a PLT workshop from a • Opportunity to participate in the professional 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

PLT EE Partner 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. www. plt. org

Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth! Colorado Project Learning Tree http: //coloradoplt. org Shawna Crocker, PLT State Coordinator Colorado State Forest Service 303 -466 -2720