Youth Scientist Curriculum

The Youth Scientist curriculum allows students to learn about the benefits of trees and forests and to experience the scientific process while learning about an invasive pest.  Forest Service scientists worked with extension educators at The Ohio State University to develop materials that would engage middle school students in exploration of the impacts of invasive species on trees and forests.  The “Why Trees Matter” Unit introduces students to the biology of trees and to the many services trees provide in both urban areas and forests. The “Emerald Ash Borer” Unit allows students to become scientists as they learn about the emerald ash borer, develop hypotheses, collect data, and interpret their results. It uses examples and data from current scientific research on Emerald Ash Borer for practice problems, so students can both practice scientific skills like creating graphs and see real-world examples of scientists and scientific research. The curriculum is aligned with Ohio Career and College (Ohio Revised) Standards in Science.

For more details visit http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-New-Learning-Standards/Science

For the current version of the curriculum materials and to borrow supplies for the “Emerald Ash Borer” Unit, please visit http://u.osu.edu/youthscientist/