1. Colorado Project Learning Tree
Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth!
11/28/ :33 AM
Colorado Project Learning Tree
Shawna Crocker, PLT State Coordinator
Colorado State Forest Service
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

2. Overview
What is PLT?
Who uses it?
Curriculum
Resources
Programs

3. Project Learning Tree
Is a program of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, a nonprofit organization that works for:
healthy forests
quality environmental education
informed decision-making about our communities and our world

4. A Comprehensive EE Program
What is PLT?
A Comprehensive EE Program
High quality, PreK-12 EE curriculum materials
Implemented through professional development workshops
Diverse, international network of partners

5. How PLT Works in Colorado ?
Colorado PLT:
State Coordinator
Facilitators
PLT Schools & PLT EE Partners
PLT Trained Educators
Florida PLT is a partnership program of:

6. What (or who) is COPLT?
A large volunteer network of professionals who conduct educator training workshops

7. Who Uses PLT? Classroom Teachers Youth Group Leaders
Day Care Facilities
Nature Center Staff
Parents
Community Groups
Government Agencies
Resource Professionals
Museums, Zoos

8. PLT's Mission PLT uses the forest as a "window on the world" to
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.
"Teaches Students How to Think, Not What to Think”

9. PLT’s Curricula Easily incorporated into existing curricula
Interdisciplinary
Hands-on, experiential, & student centered
Correlated to Standards
In line with education reform

10. PLT Curricula - Early Childhood
Early Childhood Experiences
Activity Guide, 3-6 Year Olds or Online
Child’s need to explore & discover
Communicate ideas in expressive ways
Integrating music, movement,
nature exploration, literature, art and cognitive components
PLT Music and Movement CD
Available in Spanish

11. PLT Curricula Prek-8 (Easily adapted to High School and College)
PreK-8 EE Activity Guide (96 Activities)
On-line
Energy and Society Kit
E-Units
K-2 Treemendous Science
3-5 Energy in Ecosystems
6-8 Carbon and Climate

12. PLT Curricula- Secondary
Secondary Modules- Grades 9-12 (easily modified for middle school and college students)
Focus on Forests
Municipal Solid Waste
Focus on Risk
Forests of the World
Places We Live (On-line workshop in Florida)
Biodiversity
Biotechnology
Southeastern Forests and Climate Change (on-line)

13. GreenSchools! Incorporate PLT into curriculum
Conduct environmental investigations (energy, school site, waste and recycling, water and environmental quality)
Take action to create sustainable school environments

14. PLT Schools Designation
Staff 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
Benefits
PLT School bench
Opportunity to participate in the professional

15. PLT EE Partner Designation
Hold 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

16. Grant Programs: PLT www.plt.org
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.

17. Colorado Project Learning Tree
Empowering Educators, Inspiring Youth!
11/28/ :33 AM
Colorado Project Learning Tree
Shawna Crocker, PLT State Coordinator
Colorado State Forest Service
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.