Project Learning Tree Program

     This past Saturday, I attended an interesting seminar presented by two DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) educators. Project Learning Tree is a forestry based program for students in Pre-K -8. All the activities presented could be modified based on the ages or needs of the students. These interdisciplinary activities could also incorporate a variety of subjects such as science, math, writing and social studies. 
     I enjoyed this training for numerous reasons, especially since a few activities were hands-on for the adults taking the training. Seeing how the activities would be presented to students was meaningful to me. Some of the activities really caught my interest and I could see ways to tie these lessons in with other classroom lessons.For instance, one activity was titled Tree Factory. Numbered objects were displayed across a few tables and our groups stopped at each table while discussing which objects were derived from trees. A few of the objects that we discussed were carpet, a comb, gum, a rubber glove, and maple syrup. This activity involved groups to work together, have discussions, write answers, and extend students knowledge about what resources are used on a daily basis. This activity could also be extended as homework. Students could be asked to create a list of objects in their home that are derived from trees. Students could also bring tree related objects in for a 'show and tell'. 
     The best part of the day was receiving a copy of the text book. It consists of ninety-six tree-based activities. Each activity lists the grade levels, subjects, concepts taught, skills taught, differentiated instruction, technology connections, materials needed, approximate time needed, and related activities. The lessons are explained in a clear and concise manner. Reproducible pages are also provided. This book will be a resource I will use in my future classroom and share with other colleagues. I would recommend this training plus hope to take future seminars provided by DEP educators. The other classes are Project Wild and Project Wet.