Florida Project Learning Tree

Nancy Peterson, PLT State CoordinatorUF School of Forest Resources and Conservation

http://sfrc.ufl.edu/plt/

Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth!

• What is PLT?

• Who uses it?

• Curriculum

• Resources

• Programs

Overview

Project Learning TreeIs a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works for:o healthy forestso quality environmental educationo 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

Florida PLT:

State CoordinatorSteering CommitteeFacilitatorsPLT Schools & PLT EE CentersPLT 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 TeachersYouth Group LeadersDay Care FacilitiesNature Center StaffParentsCommunity GroupsGovernment AgenciesResource ProfessionalsMuseums, 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 CurriculaEasily incorporated into existing curricula

Interdisciplinary

Hands-on, experiential, & student centered

Correlated to Standards

In line with education reform

PLT Curricula - Early Childhood Early Childhood ExperiencesActivity Guide, 3-6 Year Olds

Child’s need to explore & discoverCommunicate 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 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 (3rd 7 4th

grades)

Energy and Society Kit

http://sfrc.ufl.edu/plt

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 (on-line)

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

GreenSchools!

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

On-line Resources- Floridahttp://sfrc.ufl.edu/plt

www.facebook.com/florida.plt

On-line Resources- www.plt.org

PLT Schools DesignationStaff 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 DesignationHold 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

Questions?