DOEE offers a suite of professional development training opportunities to formal, informal, afterschool, and homeschool instructors for grades Pre-K through 12 that help fulfill the standards for teaching and learning and provide guidance on how to aid learners in developing environmental awareness and science literacy.
Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD, Project WILD , and Project Learning Tree are internationally recognized conservation education programs that provide content knowledge, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to youth to help them make prudent environmental decisions and foster stewardship of our nation’s natural resources. Each program includes curricula featuring hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that are aligned to national education standards.
Workshop Registration and Inquiries
- Join the DC WILD EE Network e-list to receive announcements and resources.
- Email the Aquatic Resources Education Center or call 202.535.2276 for more information.
Educator Workshop Summaries
Workshops are FREE and sessions range from 3 to 8 hours depending on program type and content focus. Participants receive complimentary classroom-ready, user-friendly instructor guides, a certificate of completion, and access to a variety of additional resources and networking opportunities with other educators. DCPS teachers are eligible for Professional Learning Units when attending trainings conducted outside of school hours. Workshops are typically conducted at the Aquatic Resources Education Center in Anacostia Park.
Aquatic WILD is an environmental education program featuring inquiry-based lessons and hands-on activities for learners in grades K-12 that focus on aquatic ecology, watershed science, and water resources. Lessons include cross-discipline applications, STEM extensions, career connections, and field investigations that are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and A Framework for K-12 Science Education.
Navigate the waters of your complimentary Aquatic WILDTM K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide, data exploration techniques, and best practices for conducting field investigations in this 4-6 hour workshop. Workshops are typically offered in Fall and Winter during evenings and weekends and may be offered as a standalone or in combination with Project WILD or Project Learning Tree. Learn more about Aquatic WILD and access sample materials and resources.
Growing Up WILD is a multi-award winning early childhood education program targeted at learners aged 3 to 7, and other sensory focused individuals, that invites youth to explore wildlife and the world around them. The 27 field-tested, hands-on, nature-based thematic units and associated 400 experiences are correlated to NAEYC Standards and Head Start Domains.
This 3-4 hour workshop introduces the complimentary Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children activity guide, stresses developmentally-appropriate practices and the importance of nature play and discovery in early childhood, and provides tips and resources for accessing nature. Learn more about Growing Up WILD and access sample materials and resources.
Project WILD is a wildlife-focused conservation and environmental education program for K-12 educators and their students. The program’s goal is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decision making, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
Released in 2018, the 4th Edition of the Project WILDTM K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide features 81 lessons that include outdoor components, “In Step with STEM” activity extensions, and “WILD Work” career connections, including 16 Field Investigation activities. Like Aquatic WILD, the Project WILD curriculum is aligned to national education standards and has been developed, reviewed, tested, and vetted by scientists and educators.
Project WILD is typically offered in Fall and Winter on weekends as a 6-8 hour workshop in combination with Aquatic WILD. Learn more about Project WILD and access sample materials and resources.
Project Learning Tree (PLT) uses trees and forests to build connections and increase students’ understanding of the environment and actions that can be taken to conserve it. Project Learning Tree produces a variety of resources available through in-person and online training opportunities.
PLT K-8 is a 6 hour workshop that explores the Pre K-8 Environmental Activity Guide and highlights integrated teaching methods and strategies. PLT EC is a 3 hour workshop for educators and care providers of children ages 3 to 6. Participants become familiar with the Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood education guide and investigate ways to facilitate young learners’ abilities to explore, discover, and communicate in expressive ways and engage them in outdoor exploration and play. Learn more about Project Learning Tree and access sample materials and resources.
Combined workshops featuring more than one of the aforementioned programs are offered on an annual basis. 6-8 hour workshops may include Aquatic WILD + Project WILD, Aquatic WILD + PLT K-8, and Growing Up WILD + PLT EC.
Email the Aquatic Resources Education Center or call 202.535.2276 with inquires.