Project Learning Tree (PLT)

Graphic of Minnesota PLT logo

What happens at a workshop?

Workshops vary according to participant needs. Typically, workshops are at least 7 hours long (including lunch and break time) in an educational facility.

To receive the PLT activity guides, educators must attend a workshop.

graphic: PLT PreK-8 book coverAt workshops, educators get:

  • PLT activity guide or guides appropriate for grade level and/or topic.
  • A certificate for continuing education units (CEUs).
  • DNR and other agency support materials.
  • Specialized instruction from a trained PLT volunteer facilitator and, sometimes, a natural resource specialist.
  • Some workshops provide optional graduate credit. Graduate credit requires 12 hours of workshop time and homework.

All workshops provide hands-on instruction, often both indoors and outside.

teachers in dirt
teachers in snow

Participants should:

  • Bring reusable a coffee mug and a water bottle to reduce waste.
  • Bring a large, empty book bag to collect workshop items.
  • Dress for the weather.
    • Winter: Dress in layers—long-sleeved top, fleece, overcoat. Wear a knit HAT, mittens or heavy gloves, pants that repel wind and or water, and warm boots.
    • Summer: Wear whatever is comfortable. Bring bug spray, wear sunscreen, and, if it's raining, wear a rain poncho (umbrellas are too cumbersome in an outdoor classroom situation).

Sample PLT workshop agenda.

* All activities demonstrated will be grade-appropriate for the audience.

9:00
  • Welcome
  • Icebreaker
  • Introductions
  • Discuss goals
  • Brainstorm session: list topics you need to teach this year.
  • Hand out activity guides
  • Do hands-on activities* (inside or outside)
  • Indoors: Explore activity layout, correlations to Minnesota academic standards
  • More hands-on activities (outside)
  • Small-group work: Tips for teaching outside

12:00
  • Lunch

12:30
  • More hands-on activities (outside)
  • Revisit morning brainstorm session: did you find an activity to
    cover the topics you identified this morning?
  • Time to explore books, integrate activities into curriculum
  • Resources, evaluations, certificates, prizes, graduate credit forms
    (optional)

3:30

End. Go forth and teach!

Find out when your next opportunity to sign up for a PLT workshop.