Objectives

The Forest Watch program conists of many objectives. These objectives are both educational and science oriented. They have been set to provide the guidelines for what Forest Watch should provide for educators, students and the scientific community.

1. Engage K-12 students in authentic science by participation in a Student-Scientist Partnership.
   
2. Provide hands-on measurement activities which use scientific and technological tools in the classroom to contribute meaningful data to research scientists.
   
3. Enhance higher-order thinking skills by introducing students to local, regional and global science issues.
   
4. Develop data analysis and communication skills.
   
5. Provide integrated activities which encourage a team-work environment.
   
6. Offer pedagogical strategies to meet state and national standards in science and mathematics.
   
7. Affect a positive change in student attitudes and aptitudes for science and mathematics.
   
   

1. Determine parameters needed to assess white pine health at both the local and regional level.
   
2. Correlate student physical measurements with spectral measurements made of needles.
   
3. Compare physical/site parameters and spectral measurements with regional tropospheric ozone data on both a spatial and temporal basis.
   
4. Document the use of white pine as a bio-indicator for use in future research studies of the health of New England forests.
   
5. Develop a long-term database of ecologically important variables for use in future research studies of the health of New England forests.
   
6. Assess health using a site index.