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The K-12 Education team provides immersive professional development opportunities to help teachers succeed. We have helped thousands of educators with the tools, skills, and support so they can effectively engage students in the outdoors, participatory science, inquiry, and STEAM learning.
I have been to a bunch of teacher professional development trainings, and this one is THE BEST! Class act! You all thought of everything. I still cannot believe how lucky I am to have been part of it.
Anonymous Teacher
Spending time outdoors increases academic performance and social emotional learning for all students. Engaging students outdoors can feel overwhelming and intimidating, so we run trainings that cover practical tips for outdoor learning that support nature connection and provide ample opportunities to discuss implementation. These workshops are perfect for schools or districts who want to more effectively use their schoolyards, outdoor classrooms, and school gardens for learning.
Audience
K-8 teachers
Format
0.5-2 days; in person
Resources
Flexible, may include: Explorer’s Guidebook, Feathered Friends, as well as connecting to literacy with one or more of our book guides
I feel so much more confident in my abilities to go out birding and observing nature with my classroom.
Anonymous Teacher
Participatory science builds STEAM skills and science identity. Our eBird Explorers resource and trainings help teachers engage students in the eBird project where they share their real-world observations with scientists. Teachers take our eBird Essentials course and then gather to practice identifying birds during outdoor walks, collaboratively teach portions of the resource, and develop an implementation plan so they are ready to hit the ground running.
Audience
K-12 educators
Format
1-3 days; in-person, online, or blended
Resources
eBird Explorers for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
My students are already scientists, but I want to emphasize for them the value of participatory science and how their curiosity can help birds and benefit the whole Earth.
Training Participant
Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach that teaches STEAM content while simultaneously building science practices—a key focus of the NGSS. Teachers gain confidence in guiding students to ask their own scientific questions, collect data and use evidence to make claims, and share their results. In this training, teachers explore different levels of inquiry, complete their own mini-inquiry investigation, and discuss ways to infuse inquiry practices into their classroom.
Audience
K-12 educators
Format
2-5 days; in person or blended
Resources
Students as Scientists: Nature-Based Inquiry for grades K-5 or 6-12
I’m going to stop asking yes/no questions and ask more open-ended questions, and encourage their observations and curiosity.
Sarah P.
Workshop participants receive resources based on the training topic and grade level that they teach. They may also receive other materials such as digital access to resources, data sheets, or posters. We are always available to answer questions and provide support after our trainings.
The cost of professional development is determined by the length of the sessions, the resources provided, and travel. We will work collaboratively to provide training that meets your needs and your budget.