Florida Project Learning Tree
Nancy Peterson, PLT State CoordinatorUF School of Forest Resources and Conservation
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/plt/
Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth!
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
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