The US Forest Service (USFS) and Arizona Dept of Forestry & Fire Management (AZDFFM) awarded an Arizona Community Challenge Grant to Partners for Equitable Science Instruction!
The Project Title is Trees and Water Conservation in Schoolyard and Community Ecosystems
The primary goal of this grant was to build teachers’ foundational understanding of ecosystems connected to water conservation and the benefits of trees. Tucson area teachers were invited to increase their science content knowledge of ecosystems by attending workshop training focusing on tree care, the benefits of trees and water conservation. Community partners from the Watershed Management Group (WMG) and Trees for Tucson teamed with Partners for Equitable Science Instruction (PESI) instructors to offer 10 hours of workshop training. The training included experiences with the ecosystems curricula, water conservation efforts, the benefits of planting diverse trees and outdoor learning activities using the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) Neighborhood Forests Southwest Learning Guide.
Volunteers were also invited to participate in workshop training. They received background information focusing on tree care and the benefits of trees and water conservation in our community. Each volunteer received a Ways to Support your Classroom Teacher Guide, with tips for interacting with students during the lessons. Volunteer participation in the workshop training helped the volunteers connect with teachers and prepared them to assist classroom teachers with the outdoor learning activities.
Thirty nine Tucson area K-12 teachers, from four local school districts, participated in the grant workshops. Thirty four of those participants agreed to complete the required teacher commitments with their students to receive a stipend from the grant. To date, fifteen participants have successfully completed their grant commitments and have received their stipend. Several of the schools have tree planting projects pending. We are extremely proud of the work this grant has inspired!
CONTACT PESI to find out how you can get involved!