COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Spend seven days learning about and touring the South Carolina forests, examining sustainable forestry practices and the forest industry. This outdoor environmental education course is designed to provide an unbiased look into the impact forests have on our state’s environment, economy, and quality of life. Key topics include forest management; emphasizing sustainable forestry, ecosystem management and bio-diversity; wildlife conservation, including endangered species protection; forest product production, including harvesting and processing into products, and the contributions of the forest industry on S.C.’s economy. Classes include tours of private and public forestlands, lumber, paper and other wood product mills, along with cultural events highlighting the history of South Carolina’s land use. Participants will receive resource materials to use in their classrooms along with environmental education training. An additional 3-days of FREE training in Environmental Education is also available, teaching how to use the environment and forests to teach the Curriculum Standards in science, social studies, language arts and math. (3-hour, non-degree graduate credit also available for this. You may also be able to get CRE credits from your district.)
WHEN AND WHERE:
The 4-day Tour is June 23rd through 26th, 2009 – Upstate counties of Laurens, Union, and surrounding counties. The 3-day Advanced EE workshop is June 17th through 19th at Harbison State Forest in Columbia.
ELIGIBILITY :
- Preference will be given to full-time certified educators for grades 3 to 8 interested in environmental studies. Secondary teachers specializing in environmental studies, life sciences, biology, Tech Prep or natural resource education will also be considered.
- Interested educators must complete an application and submit it by the deadline of April 15, 2009. Successful applicants will be notified by May 15, 2009. Due to the large number of applicants, participants are encouraged to submit their applications early. Call (803) 896-8892 for late applications.
- Tour is limited to 35 participants. (25 limit for graduate credit + 10 seeking non-credit)
REQUIREMENTS:
- Available to participate in a four-day course with overnight stay and travel. Individual participation only - spouses and/or children, etc. not permitted.
- Actively participate in all activities, which will include walking, hiking, summer temperatures, insects, etc.
- Ability to disseminate the information learned to schools, community and professional associations.
- Proven leadership skills and involvement in student and teacher extracurricular activities and professional associations.
COST :
- The sponsors of the Teachers’ Tour provide all meals, lodging, materials, and transportation during the tour FREE.
- Those wishing 3-hours of non-degree graduate credit, offered through the University of Charleston, will be required to pay a fee ($20 per credit hour) upon acceptance into the tour. (Attendance at all 7 days of the event and additional work is required for graduate credit) This course may also qualify with your school district for CRC’s under Category 6 – Professional Training. Check with your school district for details.
Sponsored by The South Carolina Teachers’ Tour Coalition
SC Teacher's Tour Application Form Acrobat File
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