Education Kits to Borrow
You can request an education kit by filling out this PDF form and faxing it back to us. The kits are free of cost but require a $50 refundable deposit. Educators can obtain the kits in person at the ODF district office. Kits are on loan for up to two weeks.
Here are some of the kits we currently offer:
Arboretum Adventure Kits [top]
“I live right across the street and I never knew this was here!” Many residents are discovering a wonderful showcase of Oregon’s trees and ecosystems, known as the Forest Grove Community Arboretum. Located at the Oregon Department of Forestry at 801 Gales Creek Road in Forest Grove, the Community Arboretum provides a working site for K-12 schools, nature-based groups, families and individuals to explore Oregon’s trees.
The Arboretum offers shelter and a portable restroom facility, a self-guided interpretive trail and two self-guided educator kits developed and sponsored by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The Arboretum Adventure Kits contain hands-on activities and props for use in the arboretum, community or classroom. ODF staff are available to provide teachers with guidance on materials and curriculum or lead the following selected kit activities in the Arboretum or community.
The K–2nd Grade Kit [top]
Like people, plants grow, change and have basic needs. Use trees and their characteristics as a focus for teaching cycle, change, observation and communication.
Tree Observation and Appreciation
Students will know what makes a tree a tree by observing and comparing their overall structure to other plants, collecting tree material and data, and creating artwork. Students will also be able to recognize trees as either conifers or hardwoods, and list some of the benefits of trees.
Seasonal Change
A tree changes its appearance and behavior each season. Through the use of hand lenses, leaf color graphing and felt board assembly, students will be able to identify a tree’s growth stage as the seasons change, and describe the differences among evergreen and deciduous trees.
The 3rd–4th Grade Kit [top]
Help your students discover the importance of trees in your community and explore the connections between early Oregonians and trees!
Trees in Your Town
Students use observation and measurement tools to gather data on the benefits of trees in Forest Grove. As a result, students determine how trees contribute to energy conservation as well as the health and beauty of the community.
Products of the Past
Students take on the role of a pioneer team or a Northwest Indian tribe and experience the same trials and tribulations of Oregon’s early peoples. Using the Arboretum as their stage, students will learn how trees were an important solution to many hardships.