Resource Review: Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide

Authors

  • Rachel Bayer University of Maryland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2020.921

Keywords:

environmental education, Project Learning Tree

Abstract

Given growing environmental concerns such as climate change, identifying high-quality environmental education materials that can be used by youth development professionals to meet their educational goals is critical. The Project Learning Tree (PLT) PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide is designed for individuals to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and take action on environmental issues. The curriculum has activities that youth development professionals can use to teach a wide variety of environmental topics ranging from air quality to food chains, habitats, recycling, and watersheds, to name a few. In addition, as a high-quality environmental education curriculum, the guide assists those who desire to develop skills in youth such as critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement. This review of the PLT PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide provides an overview of the curriculum and how the activities are structured and outlines considerations for its use by youth development professionals.

Author Biography

Rachel Bayer, University of Maryland

University of Maryland Extension

Agent

References

Ardoin, N., Bowers, A., Roth, N., & Holthuis, N. (2018). Environmental education and K-12 student outcomes: A review and analysis of research. The Journal of Environmental Education, 49(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2017.1366155

Bayer, R., & Fischer, K. (2019). Correlating Project Learning Tree to 4-H life skills: Connection and implications. Journal of Extension, 57(5), Article 5TOT6. https://joe.org/joe/2019october/tt6.php

Ernst, J., & Monroe, M. (2004). The effects of environment-based education on students’ critical thinking skills and disposition toward critical thinking. Environmental Education Research, 10(4), 507-522. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350462042000291038

Garst, B. A. (2018). Nature and youth development. In P. A. Witt & L. L. Caldwell (Eds.), Youth development: Principles and practices in out-of-school time settings (pp. 241-268). Sagamore-Venture.

Hendricks, P. A. (1998). Developing youth curriculum using the targeting life skills model: Incorporating developmentally appropriate learning opportunities to assess impact of life skill development. Iowa State University.

North American Association for Environmental Education. (2017). Community engagement: Guidelines for excellence. Author. https://cdn.naaee.org/sites/default/files/community_engagement_-_guidelines_for_excellence.pdf

Project Learning Tree. (2019). PreK-8 environmental education activity guide (13th ed.). Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Schusler, T., Krasny, M., Peters, S., & Decker, D. (2009). Developing citizens and communities through youth environmental action. Environmental Education Research, 15(1), 111-127. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620802710581

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Published

2020-09-22

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 5 (2020)

Section

Resource Reviews

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