This program involves 2 exchanges. In fall 2023 a group of students and staff from Finland visited for 10 days of collaboration including field trips and class time. In the spring of 2024, Leland sent a group abroad to continue the work on location in Finland. In between, students and staff collaborated on project activities and goals via Zoom and independent small group study including research and a variety of presentations to showcase student outcomes. Eligible students came from grades 9-12.

Our Forests - Presentation document

BACKGROUND

• Main focus is strengthening the international relationship

• Develop skills that are needed in an increasingly complex world of interdependencies

• A joint goal of the Finnish Board of Education and the US Embassy of Finland to increase transatlantic cooperation between schools

THEME - OUR FORESTS

• Develop and collaborate on projects aimed at increasing knowledge of forests and forestry. While doing so, enhance language and social skills and increase cultural understanding with a global perspective

• Framework would be common historical aspects of our Michigan region and Finland, migration from Finland, lumberjacks, etc

• Students and staff explore environmental similarities and the important role of nature in both cultures and communities

IN PRACTICE

• Participants work on an agreed chosen theme and develop activities in cooperation

• Activity examples include

  • Virtual meetings including presentations - topics to include Forestry practices and related agencies (ie farming styles and government oversight), carbon sequestration, biodiversity, historical practices, cultural practices, etc

  • Student cooperation

  • Short duration travel (~10 days)

  • Staff and student teaching exchange

  • Job shadowing in target country

  • Exchange includes variety of field trip style activities

• Collaboration is virtual and in-person

• Duration of program, including period of virtual cooperation is maximum of 1.5 years (2023-mid 2024)