The composition, culture, ecology, conflicts, and products produced by the world’s forests—including Minnesota’s—affect everyone. This workshop introduced Project Learning Tree’s latest activity guide for high school students: Forests of the World. Activities address geography, international studies, environmental science, and ecology. Participants will have the option to purchase the book/classroom poster set of world maps.

1. Project Learning Tree (PLT)
Forests of the World Secondary Module
March 12, 2010
MAEE Conference: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Presenters
Laura Duffey, PLT coordinator, Minn. DNR, laura.duffey@state.mn.us, 651-259-5263
Stanley Mikles, biology teacher, Hill City HS, smikles@hillcity.k12.mn.us, 218-697-2394 x 126
Goals of the Workshop:
1. Provide an introduction to the Forests of the World secondary module
2. Conduct sample Forests of the World activities and develop an implementation plan
Objectives of the PLT Module:
After completing the activities in this module, students should be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of how different cultures, societies, and people view and
define forests.
• Describe different ways that people around the world interact with forests.
• Identify geographic factors that determine the major types of forests around the world.
• Explain how environmental and human factors have impacted and continue to impact the
world’s forests.
• Describe how economic, political, and social systems play a role in managing forests around
the world for a variety of uses.
• Define sustainability as it relates to the world’s forests, including ecological, social, and
economic elements of sustainability.
• Explore efforts around the world to protect and conserve forests and forest resources.
Agenda:
Welcome, Sign In, hand out books & maps
Activity 1: Making the Global Connection (step 1 only)
Activity 3: Mapping the World’s Forests
Small Discussion Groups: How to Use Forests of the World in Your School
Small Group Discussion: How to Use Forests of the World in Your School
1. What classes might you integrate the Forests of the World activities into?
2. What are some resources you might seek to use with the activities?
3. Who are some possible partners or groups you might contact in your community for
resources and support to implement the activities?
4. How might you share the module with teachers in your region?
For more information on Global Connections: Forests of the World, visit:
www.plt.org
For more information about Minnesota PLT, visit: mndnr.gov/plt
Project Learning Tree is the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation
and is sponsored in Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.