COLUMBUS, OH - Educators across Ohio using Project WET, Project WILD and Project Learning Tree concepts in their classrooms will soon be able to access a database of activities that meet the new state science standards, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
ODNR recently received a $45,960 grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to identify 450 activities from the three programs and develop a database from which teachers and others can create lesson plans and projects that meet state-mandated science standards. ODNR and project volunteers matched the grant with $54,000 in order to complete the effort, which will take nearly a year.
Project WET, Project WILD and Project Learning Tree are national environmental education programs recognized for their value in applying practical, hands-on activities not only to the study of water, wildlife and forestry resources, but also to traditional subjects, in an enjoyable way.
"Project WILD, Project WET and Project Learning Tree have proven to be three of the most popular programs among educators for introducing natural resource concepts into the learning environment," said Jen Dennison, project coordinator for ODNR. "This new database will make it quicker and easier for educators to know which of their favorite program activities meet the state-mandated science standards."
More than 91,000 Ohio educators and resource professionals have been trained in the use of these three programs over the last 24 years. Project Learning Tree was introduced in 1980, Project WILD in 1984, and Project WET in 1995. For additional information, contact Jen Dennison, ODNR Division of Wildlife at 614-265-6316.