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Course Description

In this virtual self-guided class, you will engage with proven standards-aligned Project Learning Tree hands-on activities that help learners to explore, discover, communicate and build critical thinking skills. Each activity is tailored to specific grade levels and learning objectives. You will select one PLT curriculum as your focus, thus customizing the course to meet your individual needs. The materials provide educators the tools they need to bring the environment into their classrooms — and their students into the environment.

Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this course will equip you with the tools to bring outdoor learning to life, enhance student engagement, and foster a deeper connection to nature. Join us and transform your teaching approach, bringing the world beyond the classroom into your students’ everyday experiences.

This course is ideal for K-12 teachers and nonformal educators in Idaho who are looking to enhance their teaching toolkit with effective, environmental education strategies. No previous experience with outdoor education is required—just a passion for learning and inspiring the next generation of leaders!

 

Course Outline

Key Takeaways:

• In-depth introduction to Project Learning Tree (PLT)

• Techniques for outdoor teaching and environmental education

• Ready-to-implement lesson plans and activities for students

• Strategies to inspire environmental stewardship in the classroom and beyond

Come explore, create, and grow as an educator while connecting your students to the natural world!

Learner Outcomes

Discover Project Learning Tree: Gain a solid understanding of PLT's curriculum and how it supports interdisciplinary learning in a variety of subjects, from science to social studies.

Learn the Essentials of Environmental Education: Understand the core principles of environmental education and how to inspire students to think critically about the environment, sustainability, and their role in protecting the planet.

Teach Outdoors with Confidence: Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to take learning outside the classroom, with practical tips for teaching in natural settings, promoting hands-on exploration, and fostering environmental stewardship.

Notes

This course is ideal for K-12 teachers and nonformal educators in Idaho who are looking to enhance their teaching toolkit with effective, environmental education strategies. No previous experience with outdoor education is required—just a passion for learning and inspiring the next generation of leaders!

 

Prerequisites

Registration Fee: $35 payable on the PLT Explorations website.

 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Section Title
PLT Explorations: Environmental Education & Outdoor Teaching
Type
Online, self paced
Dates
Jan 14, 2026 to May 08, 2026
Delivery Options
Course Fee(s)
Educator PD credit (1 units) $60.00
Available for Credit
1 units
Drop Request Deadline
14 days after enrollment
Instructors
  • Haven Davis-Martinez

Section Notes

Registration Fee: $35 payable on the PLT Explorations website.

Contact: Haven Davis-Martinez, plt@forests.org

Students must complete all asynchronous course activities, including online training, hands-on experiences, online resource exploration, reflection and application.

To receive a PASS, students will:

  1. Complete online training in a PLT curriculum of their choice.
  2. Complete all other asynchronous coursework.
  3. Share their plans for incorporating activities and resources from the class into their work with youth.

Text/Materials – Choice of:

• PLT Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2021.

• Project Learning Tree’s Green Jobs – Exploring Forestry Careers. Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Carbon & Climate E-Unit. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Energy in Ecosystems E-Unit. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Treemendous Science. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Green Schools Investigations. Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

• Project Learning Tree’s Trees & Me: Exploring Nature with Young Children. Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2022.

• Project Learning Tree’s Forests, Water, People Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2024.

Section Title
PLT Explorations: Environmental Education & Outdoor Teaching
Type
Online, self paced
Dates
May 18, 2026 to Aug 07, 2026
Delivery Options
Course Fee(s)
Educator PD credit (1 units) $60.00
Available for Credit
1 units
Drop Request Deadline
14 days after enrollment
Instructors
  • Haven Davis-Martinez

Section Notes

Registration Fee: $35 payable on the PLT Explorations website.

Contact: Haven Davis-Martinez, plt@forests.org

Students must complete all asynchronous course activities, including online training, hands-on experiences, online resource exploration, reflection and application.

To receive a PASS, students will:

  1. Complete online training in a PLT curriculum of their choice.
  2. Complete all other asynchronous coursework.
  3. Share their plans for incorporating activities and resources from the class into their work with youth.

Text/Materials – Choice of:

• PLT Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2021.

• Project Learning Tree’s Green Jobs – Exploring Forestry Careers. Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Carbon & Climate E-Unit. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Energy in Ecosystems E-Unit. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Treemendous Science. Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2017.

• Project Learning Tree’s Green Schools Investigations. Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

• Project Learning Tree’s Trees & Me: Exploring Nature with Young Children. Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2022.

• Project Learning Tree’s Forests, Water, People Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2024.

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