Dave Freeman has spent the last 8 years exploring the world's rainforests. Numerous expeditions to the Amazon help him to bring the rainforest to life in a meaningful way that will leave your students anxious to learn more. During the 2008/2009 school year Dave conducted over 50 school visits, bringing the wonders of exploration and the Amazon to over 10,000 students. Dave and his team members use interactive activities as well as photos, videos, sounds, stories, and artifacts collected during expeditions to help students understand how plants, animals, and people live in rainforest. Plus, students will learn how their lives are connected to the world's rainforest by the foods students eat, products they use, and even the air they breath.

A student demonstrates how to use a traditional hunting tool called a blowgun during an presentation about the Amazon Rainforest.

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.

Download printable assembly information

Presentations include:

• 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.

Cost for school assemblies outside the Chicago Area
We visit schools across the country and usually charge $500, plus travel expenses. We try to schedule several visits in an area to keep the travel costs down. Generally the total cost per school ranges from $500 to $750. Right now we have visits scheduled in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey. Please contact us for more details about visiting your area.

Download printable assembly information

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.

"Dave was excellent and presented all information in a very kid friendly manner. On a scale of 1 to 10, Mr. Freeman's presentation was an 11. The students enjoyed the poison dart blow gun, hammock and clothing.....I would love for him to come back in the very near future."

Colleen Hovanec
Principal
J. E. Fritz Elementary School
Pennsylvania
"Your presentation was excellent! It was very educational, yet fun and captivating. The students were eager to do and research more! This was by far the best assembly we have had. It was the most educational and inspiring for students.
Keep up the great work!"
Dina Mendola
6th grade teacher
General Mitchell School
Cudahy, Wisconsin

"Your assembly was great because it related directly to one of our units of study, held the students' attention throughout, and also gave the students the opportunity to ask questions that they were curious about. We definitely want to bring a Wilderness Classroom assembly back next year when we study the rain forest again."

Beth Lisack
Riley Elementary School
Arlington Heights, Illinois

"Dave did a wonderful job of peaking the interest of a wide range of ages. The students were glued to screen and had tons of questions at the end. This was one of the best programs I have ever seen, and we would love to have another WCO assembly at your school."

"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.”

Last Updated: June 28, 2008