Balancing Act

Forestry is an important part of Canada's economy. The management of Canadian forests follows sustainable principles, aiming to meet environment, economic and social objectives. However developing a management plan can be challenging when trying to balance multiple needs. Consultation between local communities, interest groups and the industry help to bring a balance to this planning process. Now you can bring this consultative process to your classroom with the Balancing Act lesson plan! The lesson plan is accompanied by the Forestry Connects video, which showcases the experience of students in northern Ontario learning about forest management.

Growing Knowledge Outdoors

The benefits of getting kids outdoors are well recognized- it can help foster an environmental ethic, improve wellness and enhance learning. However when kids spend a large portion of their time at school, how can you ensure that they get that important interaction with the natural world?

The MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition is an opportunity for schools across Canada to win a $20,000 outdoor classroom. This great opportunity will gives schools a chance to bring learning outdoors and increase children's interaction with nature.

The Trees of Knowledge Competition was launched in May 2011, and over 50 schools applied to the program. Ten (10) schools have been selected, and now the winning school will be chosen by you! Here is your chance to vote for a school that you think is most deserving of the prize!

Looking for ideas to develop an outdoor classroom at your school? Check out the new lesson plan that asks your students to provide their ideas on what they want to see in their schoolyard. What a great way to prepare for an application for the next round of Trees of Knowledge!

Celebrate the International Year of Forests with Focus on Forests! Focus on Forests is a great opportunity to introduce forests into your classroom and highlight how important this resource is! All of our lesson plans are curriculum linked and there are lots of indoor and outdoor activities to get your students excited about trees. Are you wondering how others are celebrating the International Year of Forests? Visit our forums to start the discussion!

A new lesson plan celebrating the International Year of Forests has been developed in partnership with the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network. It features three great activities that you can do to celebrate International Biodiversity Day on May 22nd. Click on the image below to download!

The Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) is a collaboration of education, industry, government and nongovernmental organizations and agencies dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding and action related to biodiversity in Ontario.

*NEW* International Year of Forests Fact Sheet

A great fact sheet breaking down the IYOF logo. Each part of the logo was chosen for a reason, and Focus on Forests has produced this great fact sheet to help explain each part. Learn more!