Teachers Conservation Workshop

Each summer MFA sponsors workshops for educators that emphasizes the importance of conservation of natural resources, with special attention given to Mississippi’s forests and forest products.

The latest information in conservation education is presented at the workshop, and classrooms range from indoors to the forest. Participants learn by demonstration and practical exercise how current conservation practices can be integrated into classroom teaching and student projects.

Workshop faculty is made up of teachers, foresters, conservationists, and scientists from industry and participating agencies and institutions. Academic credit may be earned by paying tuition to cooperating state universities. Continuing Education Units may also be earned.

Workshop participants will be certified to use teaching materials of the nationally-acclaimed environmental education curriculum, Project Learning Tree. Click here for more information.

Mississippi Project Learning Tree

PLT's Mission

PLT uses the forest as a "window into the world" to increase students’ understanding of our complex environment; stimulate critical and creative thinking; develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill the confidence and commitment to take responsible action.

For more information about what's happening right now with Project Learning Tree, visit their blog at msplt.blogspot.com

How to Get Involved with PLT

Attending a six-hour workshop is the only way to receive either a PreK-8 guide book or two high school modules. Workshops can be designed to meet the specific needs of your group, and while weekdays are preferred, may be scheduled on weekends.

PLT is sponsored in Mississippi by the Mississippi Forestry Commission, the Mississippi Forestry Association, and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.

For more information or to schedule a workshop, contact:

Harold Anderson
State Coordinator-PLT

I-P's Life of the Forest

It’s back to school time and that means it is also time to visit the Life of the Forest website -- www.iplifeoftheforest.com. International Paper has created a series of free educational materials for teachers and community organizations.

 

Resources

  • Your state agency for forestry. You can find your forestry agency in your local phone book or at the National Association of State Foresters website at www.stateforesters.org.
  • US Forest Service - www.fs.fed.us (Note the "Just for Kids" section)
  • American Forest and Paper Association - www.afandpa.org (Click here)
  • Society of American Foresters - www.safnet.org (under the Education section)

Children's Activity Sheets

Wood Magic Science Fair

Apply for a visit from the Wood Magic Science Fair Mobile Classroom.

The Wood Magic Science Fair Mobile Classroom program was developed in 1997 to provide participation by classes who cannot attend due to space limitations in the the stationary fair or because of the travel distance to Mississippi State University. A 44-foot-long trailer has been outfitted with all of the supplies and equipment to produce a mini-WMSF on-site at schools, forestry fields days, and expositions. Industry donated the funds to purchase the trailer and a 30- by 50-foot tent. Companies also provided funds to furnish the Mobile Classroom. Grants and donations were used to outfit the classroom with a professional-quality sound system, large-screen televisions, multiple VCRs, portable stages, a plywood press, wood-strength apparatus, and paper-making equipment. Demonstrations can be held from either side of the trailer or from both sides of the trailer simultaneously.

The Mobile Classroom stays on the road throughout the year. The Classroom makes an average of three trips per month depending on availability of faculty to make the trips and the availability of outside funding to cover the travel expenses. Often local forest products companies cover or partially cover the travel expenses that are incurred to bring the trailer to a school or expo (e.g., overnight accomodations, meals, diesel fuel). The WMSF mobile program has been presented throughout Mississippi, as well as several other states including Kentucky, Arkansas, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia.

 

Color pages are excepted from "My Friend the Forester" courtesy of the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Mississippi Society of American Foresters. Illustrations by Patti Henson.