After a school visit you will be able to:

• Recognize the rainforest's allure and biodiversity.
• Identify foods and materials you use that come from the rainforest.
• Describe a rainforest, including its climate, plants, animals, and people.
• Discuss the relationship between rainforests, global warming, and other world issues.
• Help save the rainforests through personal action.
• Engage in live online expedtions, including the Trans-Amazon Expedition.

Student presentations

Depending on your needs and interests our program can last from 30 minutes to a full day. Generally, 50 to 60 minutes with each group of students is ideal, and we can engage classes individually or give a presentation to your whole school.

• photos, videos, and other audio visual media
• worksheets, and educational activities
• hands on activities like comparing rain fall in your area to rain fall in the Amazon rainforest, using a traditional blow gun, trying to move as slow as a sloth, and estimating the size of the largest snake in the world will help student learn about and appreciate the worlds rainforest.
• time for students and teachers to ask questions and get to know the Dave Freeman and other members of the expedition team
• basic instruction on how to engage in our learning adventures
  

Cost for school assemblies in the Chicago Area

Students often laugh, scream, and cover their eyes when Dave shows them photos and videos of him eating a Palm Weevil (a two inch long grub) that is considered a delicacy in many parts of the Amazon Basin.

Half day visits in the Chicago area cost $500. Help us arrange a 1/2 day visit at another school in your district on the same day and only pay $400 per school! Many schools in the Chicago area sign up for two visits, one in Fall before the Trans-Amazon Expedition, and one in December after we return from the Amazon. Two visits cost $800 and include two half day visits, printed teachers guides for all participating teachers, and a 30 to 60 minute teacher training workshop, which is usually conducted before or after school on the day of the first assembly.

Teacher Training Student presentations are often combined with teacher training workshops. We tailor our workshops to the needs of each group. After 30 to 60 minutes teachers will be comfortable navigating our website and will understand how they can engage students in our online programming. We can provide teachers with CPDUs for workshops that are an hour or more in length.

Dave Freeman is an author, photographer, educator, and explorer. His captivating stories will keep everyone on the edge of their seats as they learn about the Amazon Rainforest.

For more information or to schedule a school visit contact Dave at 312-505-9973 or dave@wildernessclassroom.com.

What are people Saying about WCO? “I think you have it down! Great information/presentations.” “Contents are very well put together and they definitely meet state standards.” “ was excellent - very organized.”

Students pepper Dave with Questions at the end on a school assembly.

"The combination of school assemblies and the online activities was awesome! My students learned so much....We can't wait for you to come back next year!"

“You have prepared everything very well.”

“Your website is terrific ............. My computer teacher was really impressed with what you all were able to do and with the website in general. You should get in touch with Bill Gates - I hear he has a little money. He'd be impressed with what you do for students.”

“The website was thorough and student friendly in which the students were able to enhance their learning aligned with state goals and standards.”

“Peru also served as a springboard for other projects. We researched rainforest animals from Peru and wrote and presented a paper. We wrote to local businesses to collect money to adopt acres of the rainforest through the Nature Conservancy's Earth Birthday project.”

“I just wanted to say that I think your website is FANTASTIC!! It is very easy to navigate and extremely informative.

You guys are the best!!”

“The Wilderness Classroom site for kids was beautifully done. I learned a lot for my own personal gain, which is why my students and I visited the site every day.”

]]> School Assemblies dfreeman 2007-09-15T15:57:36-06:00 http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/teacher_resources/2007/09/dogsledding-101.html Dogsledding 101

During this interactive assembly Dave Freeman captivates students' attention using images and stories from his many expeditions by dogsled, but the real stars of the show are the dogs. Meeting a real sled dog is always a highlight and Dave uses his 4 legged companions to talk about team work, decision making, the importance of excerise and eating healthy, setting and achieving goals, determination, and other life skills that are important parts of human and sled dog development. Our program is designed to compliment your school's core values. Dave also brings a sled, harnesses, winter travel and camping gear, and other equipment. Plus, he uses student assistants to demonstrate how he and his dogs travel and live in the frozen wilderness.

Most programs last from 45 to 60 minutes and Dave can usually work with your whole school during one to three assemblies depending on the age of your students, the size of your school, as well as your schedule and needs. Before, between, and after assemblies individual classroom activities can be arranged, allowing students to interact with our team in small groups, ask questions, and receive an even more hands-on experience.

Prices: $400 for the one assembly $600 for a half day which could include one or two assemblies as well as activities with smaller groups of students $750 full day which could include one to three assemblies as well as activities with smaller groups of students

Contact Dave at 312-505-9973 or dave@wildernessclassroom.com to learn more about this exciting learning experience.

About Dave

Each year Dave conducts over 50 school visits and interacts with thousands of students and teachers. He has found that sled dogs are a wonderful tool for motivating and educating students, and that their desire to learn about these amazing animals can easily be channeled into math, language arts, and other core curriculum areas.

However, the learning doesn't stop with a school assembly, each year students are able to join Dave on one or two 6 to 8 week online expeditions. During online expeditions Dave and his team use laptop computers, satellite phones, and digital cameras to communicate with students from far places. Whether students are following Dave on a dogsled journey across Canada or a canoe expedition deep in the Amazon Rainforest, the personal connections made during school assemblies greatly enhance students' experience during these unforgettable online educational programs.

For more information or to set up a program give Dave a call at 312-505-9973 or email dave@wildernessclassroom.com .

What are people Saying about WCO? “I think you have it down! Great information/presentations.” “Contents are very well put together and they definitely meet state standards.” “ was excellent - very organized.”

Students pepper Dave with Questions at the end on a school assembly.

"The combination of school assemblies and the online activities was awesome! My students learned so much....We can't wait for you to come back next year!"

“You have prepared everything very well.”

“Your website is terrific ............. My computer teacher was really impressed with what you all were able to do and with the website in general. You should get in touch with Bill Gates - I hear he has a little money. He'd be impressed with what you do for students.”

“The website was thorough and student friendly in which the students were able to enhance their learning aligned with state goals and standards.”

“Peru also served as a springboard for other projects. We researched rainforest animals from Peru and wrote and presented a paper. We wrote to local businesses to collect money to adopt acres of the rainforest through the Nature Conservancy's Earth Birthday project.”

“I just wanted to say that I think your website is FANTASTIC!! It is very easy to navigate and extremely informative.

You guys are the best!!”

“The Wilderness Classroom site for kids was beautifully done. I learned a lot for my own personal gain, which is why my students and I visited the site every day.”

]]> Dogsledding School Assemblies dfreeman 2007-09-05T14:19:31-06:00 http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/teacher_resources/2007/08/-td-body-select.html Student Explorer Application (Microsoft Word Document 1.4Megs)

Through support for the Shedd Aquarium, private foundations and corporate donations, Wilderness Classroom is proud to offer 15 scholarships to Chicago Public Schools who are excited and motivated to bring The Trans-Amazon Expedition to their classrooms through the Student Explorers Program.

From March 30th to May 16th, 2008 the Wilderness Classroom will take participating schools on a virtual field trip by canoe down the Amazon River exploring the plants, animals, and people of Peru, Columbia, and Brazil. Our expedition team will use satellite technology to post updates from the trail and communicate with participating students and teachers on a daily basis. Photos, videos, journals, scientific data, and direct communication with expedition members will bring the plants, animals, and people of the flooded forest into classrooms in a whole new way, exposing students, many of whom have never left Chicago, to a whole new world. Each CPS school in the Student Explorers Program, will receive access to the Wilderness Classroom Organization's multidisciplinary curriculum and lesson plans, two school assemblies (one before the adventure in March 2008 and one in late May/early June 2008 after the adventure), as well as training for participating teachers. At the end of the school year, participating teachers will be asked to provide a brief report of their teaching and student experience, submit examples of student work, and complete a brief evaluation. CPS Educators interested in working with the Wilderness Classroom are encourage to fill out the online application below.

Students pepper Dave Freeman with questions during a CPS assembly. "Thank you for this opportunity as it opens my student's world view each year. For most of my students have not traveled out of the neighborhood besides to go on school field trips…. Thank you again." - 4th grade teacher Claremont Academy (Chicago Public School) "Many of my students really learn a lot.... There were many that worked harder on this project than they had all year." - 6th Grade Teacher, Dunne Elementary (Chicago Public School)

Please submit your application by November 1st, 2007, and contact us if you have any questions.

Student Explorer Application (Microsoft Word Document 1.4Megs)]]> CPS dfreeman 2007-08-10T17:24:21-06:00 http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/teacher_resources/2005/10/test-sign-up-pa.html Registration is free, and it gives users access to dozens of lesson plans, activities, and other educational resources. Plus, registering helps us gain support from foundations, corporations, and individuals who allow us to provide our programming to students and teachers at no cost. To register please fill out the online form below, and gain full access to all of the online aspects of Project Peru 2.

Schools in the Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota can also participate in school assemblies and teacher training workshops conducted by Wilderness Classroom founder, Dave Freeman. If you are interested in learning more about school assemblies and teacher training please let us know using the comments field below, or you can contact Dave at dave@wildernessclassroom.com, or 312-505-9973.