FLORIDA MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL FFA FORESTRY STUDENTS GAIN TREE IDENTIFICATION SKILLS THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL FOREST DENDROLOGY CURRICULUM
Extension Education
Alicia Lamborn
CED/EXTENSION AGENT III, HORTICULTURE
FLORIDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
MACCLENNY
Abstract
Agriculture education instructors teaching in middle and high schools are expected to have knowledge on a wide range of topics, but often lack certain skill sets or hands-on experience in some areas. To meet the demands for outdoor education programs and assist local Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisors, an experiential Extension program and curriculum on the topic of forest dendrology (tree identification) was created. As part of this agent’s Environmental Horticulture Extension Program, a 3-acre arboretum was developed for use as an outdoor classroom and learning landscape. Designed with the FFA Forestry Contest in mind, tree species were selected from the dendrology practicum list. Having 80% of the contest trees (40 of 50 species) growing in the arboretum, the experiential learning opportunities offered in the arboretum help students successfully transition from theory to practice while developing their tree identification skills. Teaching methods include classroom presentations, arboretum tours, and mock contests. Materials created for this program include a tree identification techniques presentation, tree identification activity with dichotomous key, and a forest dendrology study guide. Training topics have included leaf arrangement, leaf divisions, leaf shapes, leaf margins, using a dichotomous key, plus tips and tricks for telling species apart. Since 2014, 18 FFA Forestry Teams (112 students) from six schools across north and central Florida have improved their tree identification skills during training activities held by the agent in the arboretum. All student participants self-reported learning new information to develop their skills and at least 80% of students felt well prepared for their contest after spending time in the arboretum as part of the program. Advisors and parents also reported learning new information because of the program. Mock contests designed to prepare students have improved team scores at district contests, and in three separate years, teams scored high enough to compete at the state level. Additionally, at least 19 students also placed individually (first, second, or third overall) in the forest dendrology section. Having a large majority of the contest trees on site, advisors report that the forest dendrology curriculum, including the arboretum, is an invaluable resource for their students.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Alicia Lamborn
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Lamborn, A. CED/EXTENSION AGENT III, HORTICULTURE, UF/IFAS Extension Baker County, Florida, 32063