Past Workshops
Lesson Plans
GPS Checkout
Free Seedlings
Seedling Survival
Other Resources
Schools
Targeted Watersheds
Maps
Online:
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Exploring Environmental Issues in the Places We Live
A Project Learning Tree Module that integrates GPS and GIS into a meaningful watershed experience
This project is designed to help middle and high school science teachers integrate Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and tree planting into their watershed education and restoration efforts. The project was initially targeted at schools serving students who live in critical subwatersheds that have the greatest potential for riparian restoration, as determined through landcover analysis.
Teachers learn how to lead Project Learning Tree activities that guide youth through a series of activities that investigate the water cycle, renewable and non-renewable resources, and changing land use and its effect on water quality. Geo-referenced historic aerial photos of school neighborhoods provide the basis for this study.
If you are interested in organizing a professional development opportunity in your community, please contact Jeff Kirwan, jkirwan@vt.edu.
- 1950-1980's photos from the Virginia Department of Forestry
- 1990's photos from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
This project is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This web site is part of the TeacherBridge project (www.teacherbridge.org) which is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is designed to support authoring and contribution by users. If you would like more information, please drop us a note.