A Forest For Every Classroom

The next FFEC program will take place in 2009. Please see the information below for an overview of the program, benefits of participation, and general registration information. Complete information about the 2009 program will be available in the fall of 2008

The 2007-08 workshop series will be held on the following dates**:

**PLEASE note that there has been a CHANGE in dates and FFEC will begin on August 2nd and NOT in May

Click here for the 2007-08 Brochure and Registration Form

The following information about A Forest for Every Classroom (FFEC) is included on this page. Click on the title to view each segment, or scroll down the page to view all information.

For more information, contact:  Erin at 226-0160 or info@nhplt.org

 

Overview of FFEC

A Forest for Every Classroom (FFEC) is a year-long professional development series for middle and high school educators, aimed at providing the inspiration, knowledge and skills required to transform classroom teaching into effective and exciting place-based education. Teachers who participate in FFEC develop their own curriculum to increase student literacy skills and foster student understanding of-and appreciation for-the forested lands in their communities. These curricula integrate hands-on study of the natural and cultural resources of the local community, addressing concepts in ecology, sense of place, civics, and forest land management and stewardship.

FFEC objectives are as follows:

 

Place-based education is the process of using the local community and environment as a starting point to teach concepts in language arts, math, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum. Emphasizing hands-on, real world learning experiences, this approach to education increases academic achievement, helps students develop stronger ties to their community, enhances student appreciation for the natural world, and creates a heightened commitment to serving as active contributing citizens. (David Sobel, Standing Strong in My Rightful Place, 2003)

 

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Why Should I Participate?

This workshop offers you the following.

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Working Agendas for 2007-08

Topics listed below are a summary of content being discussed on each date. Curriculum planning, activity presentations, and other teaching topics will be included throughout each session.

 

August 2-3 and 7-9, 2007 (Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest)

Sensory Activities to Connect to Place

Note: August 7-9 is residential, meals and lodging will be provided.

 October 12-13 (Conservation Center, Concord)

 February 2008, Dates TBA (Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest)

May 2008, Dates TBA (Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest)

 

 

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Registration Information 2008-09

Each participating team of educators will be responsible for developing a curriculum unit that meets NH's curriculum frameworks and the literacy needs of their school. Units must be based on real-world learning experiences within their local communities. Each team of teachers will develop a service-learning project that brings the school and the community together, where teachers and students learn about local forestry issues and pertinent forest research, and become involved in a viable community-based project.

 

You should be willing to:

The all-inclusive registration fee for this yearlong series is $350 per person. This includes eleven days of professional development, extensive curriculum materials, three nights' accommodations in the White Mountains, great food, implementation grants up to $200, and much more.  Scholarships may be available upon request. PSU graduate credits are available for an additional fee. 

 

Return your completed application and registration fee by May 30th. Don't forget to include your administrator's letter of support.

Send application and registration fee to:

NHPLT

54 Portsmouth Street

Concord, NH  03301

Attn:  FFEC

For more information, call Erin at (603) 226-0160 or info@nhplt.org

 

 

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FFEC Evaluation

A Forest for Every Classroom was initially developed by a unique partnership of public land management agencies and nonprofit organizations in Vermont in 2000.  These partners have entered into an agreement with several New Hampshire-based public agencies and nonprofits, in order to replicate the program here, beginning with the 2006-07 program.  Rigorous evaluations of the Vermont-based programs have been conducted and are available at www.peecworks.org/PEEC/PEEC_Reports/.

A Forest for Every Classroom: Learning to Make Choices for the Future of Our Forests is an educational program developed by the National Wildlife Federation, Shelburne Farms, the Green Mountain National Forest, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and the National Park Service's Conservation Study Institute. This professional development model is being replicated by the New Hampshire partners with permission and support of this founding collaborative.

 

FFEC Partners

In New Hampshire, A Forest for Every Classroom is sponsored by the following partners. Clicking on an organization's name will open their website in a new window.

New Hampshire Project Learning Tree (www.nhplt.org)

Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (www.hubbardbrook.org)

Northeast Natural Resource Center - The National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org)

White Mountain National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain)

USDA Forest Service's State and Private Forestry Branch, Northeastern Area (www.na.fs.fed.us)

USDA Forest Service's Northeastern Research Station (www.fs.fed.us/ne)

Thanks to the following sponsors for their generous support in making this program possible!

Walker Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation

French Foundation

National Science Foundation’s Schoolyard Long-term Ecological Research Program

White Mountain National Forest

Northeastern Station Research Cooperative

Mascoma Savings Bank

 

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