Tree Top View

Spencer Butte Middle School

Spencer Butte MS and Pacific Tree Climbing Institute will develop a partnership that allows us to pilot a unique learning experience. Using state-of-the-art climbing equipment, the PTC Institute's guides will take a classroom full of 8th grade students over 100 feet up a cluster of pine and fir trees where the students will then settle into "tree boats" (large canvas hammocks). With their science teacher leading them, the students will then engage in a firsthand study of the forest canopy's flora and fauna as part of their life science curriculum. This lesson will be integrated across the curriculum in that students will also write haiku from their perch and while on the ground will complete math/science tasks relating to the forest.

The initial group of 36 students will be our 8th grade Peer Leaders who will present their experience to each of our nine Life Science classes (275 students). Our plan will be to takeeven more students up to the forest canopy the following year and in years to come.

Why is this project important?

Especially here in Oregon, our trees and forests continue to play a critical role in our lives. Students need to learn about and appreciate our forests for their environmental and economical value, as well as the issues they raise, politically and otherwise. Most students know something about trees, but few, if any, have actually spent time up in the forest canopy where they will find an ecological niche that they have yet to study. The canopy has been in sight all their lives, yet they've never had the opportunity to study and appreciate it up close. While students can use textbooks to learn some concepts, the value of in-the-field, experiential study is the very best way for middle school students to learn science. Right here, on their own school grounds, students will be able to engage in a study of forest science that is unavailable to most of us.

In addition, this project will equip students with a new experience in using state-of-the-art climbing equipment that will enable them to reach new heights, literally and figuratively. As early adolescents, this experience will be very empowering. Not only will they build self-confidence by ascending into the forest canopy, but they will also develop their public speaking skills when they share their experience and knowledge with the other students in their science classes.

Who, and how many, will be served?

280 students will benefit. Initially, 36 students will be the direct beneficiaries as they go on the guided climb and forest study. Their 7th and 8th grade peers will also benefit when the climbers do their presentations.

How will you evaluate the success of this project?

We will evaluate our success in a variety of ways. First, our science teachers will give the 36 climbers a pre-test of the concepts and knowledge they'll be exposed to in this field study. Following the activity, they'll take a post-test, and the results will be compared. Similarly, the student climbers will administer a pre-test to their classmates prior to their presentations which they will follow up with a post-test. Furthermore, the climbers will complete an evaluative survey regarding their experience.

Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school?

Most definitely, and in several ways. First, our Life Science curriculum includes an important unit on forest science, and our Geography classes also study the relationships between forests and cultures. Second, the 36 selected students will be our 8th grade Peer Leaders. This experience will both reward them for their participation in this leadership program while also providing them with another leadership opportunity as they present their experiences and findings to their classmates. Finally, our school works hard to build relationships with the community, and this activity will help us to forge a new partnership with the Pacific Tree Climbing Institute.

How will the funds be spent?

Services of four professional climbing guides, the use of all necessary equipment and set-up, and insurance for all 36 student participants plus one teacher. Normally, the cost for such an activity would exceed $1500; however, PTCI is offering us this deal because we are piloting this project.