Enriching Students. Sustaining Forests.
The Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program
Forester Activities
for the Classroom
Grades K–8
LEAF is a partnership program between
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—Division of Forestry
and
Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point
Enriching Students. Sustaining Forests.
The Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program
LEAF was created to help promote forestry education in Wisconsin schools. In 2001, Wisconsin K-12 forestry
education stakeholders evaluated the current status of and the needs for Wisconsin-based K-12 forestry education.
A variety of programs existed, but voids were identified in delivery and dissemination of educational materials and
services. To offer a more unified effort, stakeholders supported the development of a comprehensive program that
would enhance existing efforts.
During the spring of 2001, legislation was written to establish the LEAF program as a partnership between the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—Division of Forestry and the Wisconsin Center for Environmental
Education at the College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point. Funding for the program is
provided through a surcharge on the sale of seedlings from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—Division
of Forestry nurseries.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LEAF STAFF
JEREMY SOLIN
Director
SARAH GILBERT
Forestry Education Specialist
KELLY MORTENSON
Digital Media Specialist
JESSICA TOMASZEWSKI
Program Assistant
We are grateful to the following individuals for their direction and assistance with
creating this resource:
STERLING STRATHE, LEAF Program Director 2001-2008, who wrote the
successful grant application and oversaw the process of developing these materials,
in addition to writing much of the material.
ANGIE NYQUIST, Learn & Love It, who wrote the final version of the activities.
ERIN ERNST, who wrote material for the 4th grade activities.
We are especially grateful to the Wisconsin Environmental
for providing the funding to make this resource a reality.
Education Board
LEAF
Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE)
College of Natural Resources (CNR)
University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point (UWSP)
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715.356.4956 / leaf@uwsp.edu
www.uwsp.edu/cnr/leaf
Nothing in this document may be copied or reproduced without permission of the LEAF program,
except for lesson printing and handouts used for educational purposes.
Forestry Activities in the K-8 Classroom
Copyright © 2008
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—Division of Forestry
and Wisconsin Center for Environment Education
Grades K– 8
Programs for Foresters
Introduction
Rationale
So you’ve been asked by a teacher to be a guest in a classroom. With an already taxed workload,
you probably don’t have the time to prepare a presentation from scratch. This resource can help.
With a minimum amount of preparation, you can be ready to give an age-appropriate, interactive,
hands-on classroom program for any grade between K and 8.
Program Highlights:
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An introduction gives you a chance to introduce yourself and the program to the students.
Two interactive activity stations led by you and the classroom teacher allow the students to dig in
to the material in smaller groups.
A concluding activity offers a chance for review and closure.
The user-friendly leader’s sheets make it easy to prepare for and lead each activity.
The online PDF format makes the program materials accessible to everyone.
A confirmation letter helps you communicate effectively with the classroom teacher.
Information in the confirmation letter links activities in the programs to Wisconsin Model
Academic Standards.
Each program enriches existing lessons from LEAF’s Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Lesson Guides.
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Best Management Practices
For the Classroom
To make the most of your classroom experience we suggest that you:
•
Print out the confirmation letter, fill in the blanks, sign it, and send it to the teacher in advance.
•
Review all four activity sheets for the program you have chosen and familiarize yourself with
the information.
•
Print activity sheets back-to-back on cardstock.
•
Print any other program materials provided in PDF format. Things like game cards and
puzzles should also be printed on cardstock and will need to be cut out prior to the program.
•
Collect any other materials listed on each activity card in advance.
OVER Æ
www.leafprogram.org
Grades K– 8
Programs for Foresters
Introduction
Division of Forestry Key Target Messages
Developed for use by professional foresters, this guide helps insure that a consistent message is
given in classrooms throughout the state. Each program communicates one or more of the DNR
Division of Forestry’s target messages which include:
•
Forests play a key role in Wisconsin’s economy by providing jobs, materials for products,
and money from recreation.
•
Wisconsin forests are in better condition today than they were 50 years ago.
•
Maintaining abundant and healthy forests is critical to maintaining environmental quality in
Wisconsin.
•
Forests are a renewable resource.
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Forests provide products, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities that are important to
our everyday lives.
•
Wisconsin has a plan for forestry that contributes to the overall good condition and
longevity of forests.
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Wood products are an environmentally sound choice for consumers.
www.leafprogram.org