Activity Enhancements
Here are some activity materials and supplements to download for use in your classroom or nature center. Some complement or enhance existing PLT activities, others can be used on their own. The enhancements are divided into categories: general, energy, fire and urban forestry.
All files are in pdf format, unless otherwise noted. In order to view pdf files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, the industry-standard uniform document exchange software that comes preloaded on most computers these days. If you don't have Acrobat Reader loaded, you can download it for *free*.
General
PLT Activity Correlations to Literature Books
The following are lists of books referenced in the PLT Activity guide, along with information on ISBNs, publishers, and how to obtain them.
Poet Tree: Activity #5
Here is a student worksheet with poetic examples to assist youth in creating their poems. Rainy day? Use the Tree PowerPoint as the visual aid for students to create their descriptive poem.
The Forest of S.T. Shrew: Activity #8
Make this activity interactive and get your students involved by acting out this play version of the S.T. Shrew story.
Environmental Exchange Box: Activity #20
Let National PLT help you find another classroom to exchange your boxes. Fill out a form on National PLT's web site and they will pair you up with a similar classroom in another region.
Water Wonders: Activity #44
These fun dice can be used in your classroom to help students explore the many possible routes water can take. Students take on the roll of a water droplet going to different "stations" on their journey through the cycle. The first set has been adapted for Florida Landscapes while the second is blank, so you can fill in your own water destinations!
Are Vacant Lots Vacant?: Activity #47
Examine with your students the life found in "vacant" lots and help them think critically with these additional questions to consider.
How Big is Your Tree: Activity #67
This activity shows students one way math is used in the world. Below are additional worksheets that can be used with the activity. The pdf file has images from the student page included. The word file allows you to modify the page as needed but you will need to copy, cut, and paste the images. Need a diameter tape? Make your own using the worksheet below.
Tree Cookies: Activity #76
This fact sheet gives detailed directions on how to make your own set of classroom tree cookies, from the tree all the way to your students' hands!
Trees and Math
Though this does not correlate with an existing PLT activity, it can be used to teach students how even more advanced math can be used to analyze real life events. Grades 7-12.
Energy
Energy & Society Kit
The following supplements to your energy and society kit offer ways in which students can gain a greater understanding of energy concepts. The Forms of Energy pin ups and sample energy chain can be used as visual aids. The CO2 survey helps students understand how carbon dioxide is released through everyday activities.
Energy & Society Jeopardy
The following resources give you everything you need to have a great game of Energy Jeopardy in your classroom! PowerPoint presentations, sample photos, and word documents make this activity easy and fun!
- Energy & Society PowerPoint #1
- Energy & Society PowerPoint #2
- Energy & Society Jeopardy: Questions and Answers
- Energy & Society Jeopardy separates
- Sample Photos: 1 and 2
Fire
Fire Adaptations
Here are a few quick and easy adaptations to other existing PLT activities that emphasize fire education.
Fire Bingo
Use this activity as an introduction to Florida fire ecology or as a follow-up to reinforce the ideas.
Fire Cliches
This is a great activity to introduce the topic of fire to students. See who can create the longest lists of fire sayings.
Tale of the Sun: Activity #18
Substitute these other Native American stories in this activity for a variety.
- Grandmother Spider Steals the Sun
- How the Coyote Stole Fire
- How Fire Came to the Six Nations
- How Rabbit Brought Fire to the People
- Origin of Fire
- The First Fire
- The Pact of the Fire
- Theft of Fire - Little Shell
Viewpoints on the Line (aka Values on the Line): Activity #19
This adaptation teaches about fire values and introduces some hot topic issues concerning prescribed burns and government regulation of fires. Students will think critically not only about the ecological process of fire, but also the role of the government and their own opinion in the matter.
Every Tree for Itself: Activity #27
See what happens when various fire scenarios are introduced into your forest of students. Students will learn how fire effects oaks and pines with this adaptation to our popular activity focus on tree competition.
Who Works in this Forest?: Activity #34
Replace the student page from the guide with the one below to teach about forest fire related occupations.
Living with Fire: Activity #81
Students will have fun with this paper "cootie catcher" activity while they learn about fire behaviors. Courtesy of Colorado PLT.
Urban Forestry
Urban Fire and the Interface
This activity, best for secondary classrooms, encourages the students to apply critical thinking skills about forestry and wildfire. They will have to take in to account the many factors of fire on privately owned land.
