Curricula

Bebette De Vera, Bebette G De Vera Ryan, Martha C. Monroe, Jennifer A. Seitz, andJennifer A. Seitz
Other Contacts: Emily Blum

The purpose of this educational guide is to supplement the Project Learning Tree® (PLT) Environmental Education Activity Guide for PreK-8 grades so an urban educator has the tools to help students understand Florida’s urban forest. It does this by identifying 26 PLT activities that can be used in urban areas; 19 PLT activities that can be changed slightly to be more applicable to an urban space; 6 extensions to existing PLT activities; and 6 new activities. We hope these 57 activities will help you provide a comprehensive study of the urban forest.

Jennifer Seitz, Martha Monroe, and Francisco Escobedo

"FOR-172, a 5-page fact sheet by Jennifer Seitz, Martha Monroe, and Francisco Escobedo, lists and describes resources available to assist educators, extension agents, home school parents, foresters, and nature center staff as they help youth become more aware of the urban forests in their backyard. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2008.

Alexandra L. Bijak, Laura K. Reynolds, and Ashley R. Smyth

Ocean acidification, the lowering of seawater pH due to increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is an emerging environmental challenge associated with climate change. This publication is intended for Florida grade eight educators and other environmental educators of middle school students. We designed a lesson plan to reinforce fundamental concepts in acid-base chemistry, including the pH scale, and to introduce students to waterbody acidification, its negative effects on shell-forming organisms, and the potential role of aquatic plant metabolism (i.e., photosynthesis and respiration) in mitigating these effects. The goal of the lesson plan is to encourage students to link water chemistry and biological processes while learning about the challenges and potential solutions to acidification within a local context. This lesson plan will contribute to state learning standards while generating appreciation for the complexity of the natural environment. 

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered publication for Academic and 4-H/Youth audience(s).

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

This document is designed to be used with other entomology youth curricula and is suitable for any age group. It details the process of using antlions for live insect illustrations in the classroom. Antlions, belonging to the Order Neuroptera, create conical depressions to trap prey. The document covers finding, capturing, and keeping antlions, feeding them, and observing their life cycle. It also provides suggestions for classroom lessons and activities involving antlions, emphasizing their accessibility and educational value. First published: January 2008.

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.