September 2008
All current Illinois fifth grade students are invited
to participate in the Illinois Arbor Day Poster contest co-sponsored
by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources (IDNR). The winning poster is sent to
the national competition. This year's contest encourages schools
to plant a tree on Arbor Day and learn about the benefits of
community trees. Activities include measuring big trees and
inventorying street trees. The Illinois Arbor Day Poster contest
lets you combine art expressions with math and science to help
your students meet education standards at the state(Science,
Social Science, Fine Arts) and national(Science, Geography,
Social Studies, Art) levels.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Teachers should encourage their
fifth grade students to design a poster depicting the 2009
theme: "Trees are Terrific...in Cities and Towns!" Use the
curriculum packet to help students learn about the theme. Please
follow the contest guidelines carefully. Each participating
school must choose one winner to represent the school
at the state contest. For your local contest, have your judges
review the judging criteria in the curriculum packet on page
22 and follow the rules. In addition, state-level contest judges
look for artistic ability, evidence of learning about trees
and a reflection of this year's theme by showing understanding
of the forest as ecosystems.
We are excited about the learning opportunities this
national program offers fifth grade students. Not only will
they become aware of the significance of Arbor Day and the
vital role of trees and forests in the community setting, but
they will be introduced to the importance of wise environmental
stewardship. For more information contact DNR District Forester
http://dnr.state.il.us/conservation/forestry/index.htm.
For packets mail your request to the IDNR Clearinghouse at:
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.
Reinee Hildebrandt
State Arbor Day Poster Contest Co-Coordinator
Urban Conservation Program Administrator
217 785-8771
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