The Development and Assessment of The Changing of the Land: A Wisconsin Forest History Unit

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop and assess a fourth grade forest history unit entitled The Changing of the Land: A Wisconsin Forest History Unit as well as an associated field experience at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station. The project was funded by the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board. An initial focus group met to determine the significant events in Wisconsin's forest history that should be included in the unit. Unit Development T earn members were then recruited by the researcher for the writing of the unit lessons. The resulting unit consists of ten lessons beginning with Wisconsin's early Native American inhabitants and ending with a look towards the future of forest management. The associated field experience was written by the researcher with input from staff of the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station. The unit was pilot tested by fourth grade teachers in Fall 2001. Pre-test/post-test results indicate that fourth grade students did learn a significant amount from the unit. Survey results indicated that students as well as teachers enjoyed the unit. The field experience was pilot tested in Fall 2001 as well. Survey results from fourth grade students, fourth grade teachers, and Central Wisconsin Environmental Station staff indicate that the field experience was enjoyed and added to the understanding of Wisconsin forest history.