By Richard P. Morin
Building on its commitment to community service, the Center for Environmental Studies has launched the Teachers and Resources for Environmental Education in Schools (TREES) program. The state-financed initiative will give middle- and high-school students a closer look at the sciences using trees surrounding their schools and dotting their neighborhoods.
"Trees are the most visible piece of the environment in the city," said Harold Ward, professor of environmental studies. "By studying trees, students can apply basic math and science principles as well as learn about the environment."
This summer, under the auspices of the Eisenhower Professional Development Program, the center will host a series of environmental education workshops for Providence teachers. With guidance from the center, the Coalition of Essential Schools, the education department, the Rhode Island Urban and Community Forest Council and others, teachers will develop environmental science curricula that use trees as a means of applying scientific principles. In the fall, the teachers will be joined in the classroom by Brown students. "They will aid in the implementation of the materials and provide technical assistance for the teachers and students," said Ward.
As part of the TREES program, Providence middle- and high-school students will create a tree census, surveying the locations and kinds of trees citywide. They also will be taught such things as how to recognize a healthy tree, what affects tree health, and the kinds of environmental benefits trees can provide in urban neighborhoods. "We want to engage kids," said Ward. "We want them to feel a sense of ownership and stewardship."
The students will use computers donated by Brown to keep track of information students collect through their studies. The center has been donating surplus Brown computers to city schools for some time. "In some cases, this is their only shot of getting a machine in the classrooms," said Ward.
Although the TREES program is new, Ward is quick to point out that the center has long had a commitment to learning through service and collaborative environmental problem-solving, sending students and faculty into the community to work on a variety of projects. For instance, students in environmental studies are required to work on a year-long senior thesis that in many instances involves partnerships with community organizations and public agencies working to address local environmental issues. Some of this year's topics include an analysis of Providence's vacant lots, the future of Rhode Island forests, the future of weed control for Rhode Island corn growers, air quality regulation in Rhode Island factories, and a study of lead prevention techniques with Latino families in Providence.
To facilitate close relations among students, faculty and the greater Providence community, the center established the Community Environmental Service initiative (CEServe) in 1994. "We work with community partners to identify and address environmental concerns that are particularly relevant to Providence residents," said Nicole Rolbin '93, CEServe coordinator.
Through the outreach program, the center helps local communities evaluate options for improving environmental health and community development and assists community groups in assessing environmental health risk and public education. Rolbin also helps make connections among students and community groups and leaders. "Brown students' energy and enthusiasm make it all work," said Ward.