;Background:
Forests are an integral part of our daily lives in Wisconsin.. Every child in this state lives within 30 miles of a forest, and for most students, a forest or woodlot of some type lies just outside their door.
Forestry is a huge industry in our state as well. Much of our economic stability results from some type of forest use, direct consumption, such as timbering for wood or pulp, or indirect usage, for example, hunting, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, or bird and wildlife watching.
Through an exploration of the forest , middle school students will practice Wisconsin's benchmarks for science, math, social studies and language arts. In addition, they will achieve Wildlands goals through thematic, authentic, hands-on instruction. By involving students in a real project affecting their own environment, they will become more knowledgeable of that ecosystem, there-by gaining an appreciation of that resource.
Begin with the Mental Field Trip.