GreenTech Education Program

~ Students using technology to green their communities ~

An Overview

The GreenTech Education Program engages students in D.C. Public and Charter High Schools in meaningful, career-oriented, hands-on learning.  We engage students in experiential investigations and activities that integrates technology and greens school grounds and community sites in DC.

The Program

Students are exposed to the benefits of trees and their connection to the overall health of a watershed.  Through an integration of Geographic Information Systems technology, students are capable of analyzing the economic and ecological benefits of trees on the school grounds, or other selected study site. Throughout this process, students gain experience with advanced technologies involved in the collection and analysis of data and in the modeling of alternative scenarios.

Students will then apply their findings to develop and implement a planting plan for their schoolyard or other selected site.  Students will learn many new skills including tree identification and measurement, landscape design, tree planting and tree maintenance. 

Each school will have the opportunity to present their project at our annual student conference in the spring.

GreenTech Program Components

Professional Development Workshops:  Before the school year begins, educators attend a GreenTech kick-off session introducing them to the different components of the program including: Geographic Information Systems (GIS); tree inventory skills through both classroom and field sessions; planting design and tree care.  Additional workshops are provided during the course of the year when necessary.

Conduct a Tree Inventory: Students inventory the trees on their school grounds to determine: tree species, size and health.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS):  Students are exposed to the concept of GIS and the innovative ways technology can be used to improve the quality of our environment.  Students then use GIS to help with a tree planting design on their school grounds.  GIS as a career is also explored.

Designing a Planting Plan:  Based on student inventory findings and site analysis, students work with Casey Trees staff and landscape architects to develop a planting, maintenance, and care plan for their study site.

Plant and Care for Trees!  Students implement the planting plan with trees, tools, and technical assistance provided by Casey Trees.

Present Project at Annual Student Conference: To celebrate each school's work, students present their projects at our Annual Student Conference in the spring.
 
For additional information, please e-mail Sue Erhardt at serhardt@caseytrees.org. 202-349-1903

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