Using the Forest as a "Window" Students Become Thoughtful Decision Makers
WFPA invites teachers and their students to get out into a forest near their school site to learn important science lessons found in the forest ecosystem. Back in the classroom, students hone their skills in reading, writing and the Arts while learning about forests. In social studies, lessons challenge students to examine the impact and role people and Washington's forests play in our state's past, present and future. Through engaged interdisciplinary experiences, students develop thinking abilities. Our children are our future. That is why one of our goals is to help teachers prepare students to become thoughtful decision makers. The sustainability of our forestlands for generations to come depends on our children.
Visit the Environment Education WebsiteConnecting with the Environment Around Us
Children often learn about forests through books or television shows and see forests from a distance as they whiz down the road in a car. Through our education programs, teachers in communities both small and large, take students out into forests to learn about trees, habitat, water quality, and wildlife. More than that, our curriculum materials help children learn about the choices that they will be challenged to make as adults. WFPA provides teachers with resources that will help meet the rigorous standards they and their students face. Since 1978, our environmental education program has served an important role by connecting our children to the natural environment around them. Today with the ease of technology before them, it has never been more important for students to investigate the real world by exploring their own community and Washington, the Evergreen State!
WFPA Sponsored Programs
- Teachers on Summer Assignment (TOSA) is a professional development program that provides teachers with hands-on opportunities in the environmental and business aspects of forest products companies. Learn More
- Project Learning Tree (PLT) features environmental education lessons that introduce topics on the environment, resource management, technology, society and culture to elementary and secondary level students. Learn More
- Forests of Washington (FOW) is comprised of two activity guides, Forest History and Forest Ecosystems and People. These guides engage students in classroom activities to learn about Washington's forests from an historical and social perspective. Learn More
- Environmental Study Sites (ESS) improve a student's ability to learn about our forests through research, experimentation, and practical experience conducted at an outdoor site on or near the school grounds. Learn More
- Secondary Integrated Teams (SIT) provide professional development opportunities to teachers using local environmental issues as an integrating context within the classroom. Learn More
WFPA in Partnership with Affiliated Organizations
- Pacific Education Institute (PEI), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing educators with the skills, resources and assessment tools necessary to help children understand the complex relationships between our natural and social environments. Learn More
- American Forest Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit education and conservation organization working for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and to help people make informed decisions about our communities and our world. Learn More