Exciting news at the Forest History Society! Module 10, "The Significance of Private Forests in the U.S.” has been added to the curriculum! We have just uploaded this module and are excited to share it with educators across the U.S. Module 10 has students study the history of private forests and the values these lands have to the United States. Students will also examine family forests in America, and take a closer look at the challenges facing private forestland owners. It has lots of exciting new activities, team teaching possibilities, and links to other resource sites, so be sure to check it out. If anyone would like to test this in their classroom or just read through and offer feedback, we are always open to suggestions or new ideas ( mfry@duke.edu ).

In the Summer of 2006, the Forest History Society hosted a Teacher Institute in Environmental History for North Carolina Educators.  This was an excellent opportunity for NC educators to learn more about environmental history, gain ideas for team teaching, and learn about the If Trees Could Talk curriculum that meets several of the NC Standard Course of Study requirements. During the 2006-2007 school year we asked these teachers to use the curriculum and evaluate the use of it in their classrooms. Here is some of what they had to say.

Comments on Module 4 “From Arbor Day to Earth Day”:
“It's a good way to introduce famous events and people…It's interdisciplinary…”
- Thomas Jefferson Middle School Science & Math teacher.

“Yes, it was teacher friendly…Plus, I can select just part of the lesson to use.”
- Martin Middle School Social Studies teacher.

Comments on Module 6, “From Forest to Farm to Urban Forest”:
“The students really like the map analysis.” Smith Middle School Social Studies teacher.

Comments on Module 8, “Living in a Global Forest ”:
“This activity gave them (students) new information…It really opens their minds and eyes…” - Gravelly Hill Middle School Social Studies teacher.

Comments on the overall curriculum:
“I really do love this curriculum!” - Gravelly Hill Middle School Social Studies teacher.

The Greatest Good K-12 Teachers Guide on our website received over 9000 visitors in 2007. The Greatest Good film was produced by the U.S. Forest Service in honor of its Centennial celebration in 2005. The use of this film or book in a classroom offers an ideal way for students to study many natural resource issues facing society today.

The Teachers Guide offers K-12 educators suggestions for incorporating age-appropriate portions of the film and its bonus materials into the social studies, science, math, and civics classroom. There are also links to complementary activities and lessons from many different organizations. We hope you continue to find this to be a great resource to add to your favorites. The DVD's and books may be purchased through FHS.