As you provide your students with educational materials and resources that they can use at home while school is out of session, don't forget the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) offers materials that you can share to help keep students learning.

These FREE downloadable educational materials teach students about Oregon's forests using engaging, age-appropriate language and fun activities that encourage scientific exploration. We offer a range of resources for K-12 education designed specifically for different grade level ranges. All of our educational materials provide science-based, factual information about Oregon's forests, are regularly updated to reflect the latest research findings, and align with state education standards. You can access OFRI-produced lesson plans, videos, student workbooks and educational essays on our website for K-12 educators,  LearnForests.org.

Here is a summary of what we offer for different grade level ranges:

Grades K-2  - These materials help students understand what a forest is, while also reinforcing reading skills. For example, Sounds of the Forest tells the story of some of the animals that live in Oregon's forests. Forest Essays provide a series of one-page leveled readings about forests with comprehension questions related to each essay.

Grades 3-5  - These materials emphasize what is special and unique about Oregon and its forests, supporting learning in science, reading, writing and geography. For example, Explore the Forest gives students an overview of Oregon's forests using diagrams and maps as the basis for a variety of activities. The companion Explore the Forest Teacher's Guide suggests activities for engaging students in doing science with ready-made worksheets where students can practice observation and critical thinking skills while connecting with the forests in their community.

Grades 6-8 - These materials give students an understanding of the complexity of Oregon's forests and the people who work in them. For example, Into the Forest provides students with a grade-appropriate overview of forest ecology and forest types, while the companion Into the Forest Teacher's Guide includes a variety of ideas and worksheets that encourage students to research forest careers, wildlife and carbon.