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     A number of years ago, I developed a "Winter Holiday Tree Project".

    Our facility sent a short educational exercise and/or a book that
    teachers could use in class and materials for students to create ornaments
    for our trees.  We designed the framework for the ornaments
    (we'd usually come up with approx. 10 templates) and the students
    would create 2 ornaments using artistic license for final pieces.

    Students got to keep 1 ornament for themselves; the other came back
    to decorate our trees.  All of the kids targeted for this program
    were "special needs" students (from ESL to mentally and physicallly
    challenged).  We left it up to principals and teachers to decide which
    groups of students could use some extra motivation.

     Themes ranged from Recyling, Astronomy, Endangered Species,
     to Optical Illusions--staff members loved brainstorming for unusual
     ornament concepts.

     I learned from Retail Specialists that the trick to giving the trees a
     "finished" look is to use twice as many lights as you think you
     need, and choose a color scheme (any color will work-but, don't
     choose more than 2) and fill in the trees with colored balls.

      The trees always looked great.  The public loved coming to see
     them and learning about the program, and the kids loved bringing
      family and friends to see their work (we hung up group photos of
      the kids to display by the trees).

      An extra added benefit......after the holidays, we would take all of the
      ornaments and attach tags to them explaining the program.  They make
      great "give aways" at local  and state teacher and museum conferences!

      Our program began with 50 kids and 1 tree.  Ten years later, 800 kids
      participated and we needed 5 trees!



       Julie Wignall

        Biodynamics Inc.
        7265 W. Coley Ave.
        Las Vegas, NV  89117
        (702) 368-4994

       "Serving Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums in areas of: Master Planning,
        Exhibit Design, Fabrication, Business/Operations and Education."


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