Forestry for the Classroom |
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Educational tool measures tree carbon storage |
A measuring tape is now available that can estimate the amount of carbon stored in a tree based on its diameter, helping give students a tangible sense of the amount of carbon stored in Oregon’s forests.
Designed for middle-school students, the 72-inch-long Tree Carbon Tape, which students assemble themselves, measures tree diameter and estimates how much carbon dioxide equivalent is stored in a tree of that size, as well as how many miles of driving in a car would emit the same amount of carbon dioxide.
An accompanying Tree Carbon Tape Instruction Guide for middle-school teachers suggests discussion questions and learning activities to bring alive the idea of carbon sequestration in trees and forests for the students. It also identifies educational standards connections and provides background information to help instructors teach their students about forests and carbon.
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New K-12 publication comes in two formats |
The Oregon Garden Natural Resources Education Program Lessons are a recently developed set of forestry and natural resources lessons that come in both digital and print formats, designed to flex with a world where it’s impossible to predict where students will be learning, whether it’s at home, at school or a combination of the two.
The lessons focus on four topics - wildlife habitats, adaptations, food webs and healthy forests. Students are invited to explore each lesson topic through informational videos and other educational content developed by OFRI, and by making direct observations outdoors in their backyard, schoolyard or neighborhood park. If students are in school, teachers can order free printed copies of the lessons that can be completed in class or assigned as homework. If students are distance learning, teachers can send them a link to the digital version to complete online.
The lessons were developed so students who haven’t been able to participate in the Oregon Garden Natural Resources Education Program because of COVID can learn similar concepts in another setting, but the digital and print formats allow them to be used in any school or home in the state.
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Forestry education for fourth and fifth grades |
Forests Today & Forever and Talk About Trees have partnered to offer a virtual forestry education program for fourth- and fifth-grade students. Students learn about trees and wood products, forestry, forest careers, and the many benefits forests provide. The program includes live instruction from Talk About Trees educators, including lessons about trees and forest jobs, and a complementary virtual, interactive lesson that includes videos and animations.
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Forest Resource Explore program for middle-school students
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In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Forest Field Days program has been adapted into a virtual learning experience. The new version, Forest Resource Explore, introduces students to forest resources, including soil, water, timber, wildlife and recreation. Through readings, videos, activities and games, students explore the importance of each resource. Students learn ecological concepts that are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, and a career connection is highlighted. Teachers can download the files and make changes to the boards to meet their own classroom objectives. Access Forest Resource Explore here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15RnVgrw8qqp7Oo5GWZWeWB MlH0H5VQ_3
Please contact Beth Krisko at coordinator@foreststodayandforever with the number of students you expect to teach using the program.
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Wood is Good: Forest-sector career learning for high-school students |
Oregon’s forest sector offers a variety of high-demand, high-paying jobs in local communities. “Wood is Good” is an interactive classroom presentation for high school students that provides a survey of forest jobs and careers. The presentation highlights the breadth and diversity of employment in Oregon’s forest sector. The presenter will work with teachers to tailor the program for the target audience, including emphasis on jobs right out of high school or a focus on careers that require a four-year college degree.
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Discussion Group: Why is Equity Central to Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Care?
Date: Thursday, January 28
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Format and length: Interactive, online; 1.5 hours
Audience: Formal and non-formal educators, outdoor school educators and service providers.
Description: In this discussion group, participants will explore why equity is central to supporting social-emotional learning (SEL), and how it relates to trauma-informed care (TIC). Each participant will receive a thought-provoking article and one short information sheet to read prior to the meeting. Registration is required. Offered at no cost to formal and non-formal Oregon educators. PDUs available.
Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Teaching Energy in Ecosystems
Dates and times:
- Tuesday, February 2, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Thursday, February 4, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 9, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Thursday, February 11, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Please make every effort to attend all four sessions.
Format and length: Interactive, online; four sessions
Curriculum: Project Learning Tree (PLT) Energy in Ecosystems e-unit
Audience: Fifth- and sixth-grade educators, formal and non-formal
Description: Join us for an exploration of energy in ecosystems for fifth- and sixth-graders. We'll be utilizing Project Learning Tree’s “Energy in Ecosystems” e-unit, diving into activities and lessons in addition to supplemental materials that meet the needs of your students and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). As a participant in this workshop, you’ll receive permanent access to PLT’s e-unit. Registration is required. Offered at no cost to formal and non-formal Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available.
Registration closes at 5 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021.
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The Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1991 to advance public understanding of forests, forest management and forest products, and to encourage sustainable forestry through landowner education. A 13-member board of directors governs OFRI. It is funded by a portion of the forest products harvest tax.
For information about OFRI's educational programs, contact:
Norie Dimeo-Ediger
Director of K-12 Education Programs
971-673-2956
Rikki Heath
Environmental Educator
503-799-4792
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Oregon Forest Resources Institute | LearnForests.org
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