• McRae, Carney
  University of Maine Graduate School
  

A conceptual approach, based on Gowin's theory of educating and Novak's theory of meaningful learning, was used to evaluate a 4-H school program. This study attempts to answer the question: Given a 4-H youth program, what do students learn from Tanglewood 4-H Camp's "Connections to the Forest" program? After instruction students significantly improved in tree identification and 36% of the students understood the concepts of softwood and hardwood. Misconceptions about tree growth were still evident. The strength of the "Connections" program is its ability to stimulate positive and enthusiastic feeling about the forest, motivating children to pursue more detailed studies of the forest ecosystem.