stderby@ucanr.edu (530) 394-7003
California PLT http://ucanr.edu/sites/PLT_UCCE/
National PLT www.plt.org
CalNat website http://calnat.ucanr.edu/
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an internationally recognized, award winning environmental education program that has been serving educational communities since 1976. In every US State and several partnering countries, PLT’s collective network consists of committed educators, curriculum specialists, science professionals, and forestry partners. PLT’s professional development workshops model a hands-on, inquiry based approach to learning that strives to teach students how to think, not what to think, and endeavors to implement change in the way teachers are teaching about the environment. The methodology is based on the 5E approach to constructivist teaching and learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
In 2017, California Project Learning Tree was awarded a Model Program Initiative Grant from the American Forest Foundation to create new pathways of educator training that would strengthen the CA PLT facilitator network. The grant allowed Project Learning Tree and the California Naturalist Program to design a CalNat course that would meet all the existing criteria for certification of California Naturalists and also include activities and options to encourage CalNat course participants to become certified educators for CA Project Learning Tree.
All California Naturalist courses are designed to combine place based science content with guest lecturers, field trips and project-based learning. This California Naturalist course includes an integration of Project Learning Tree activities where appropriate, and all course participants will have the opportunity to learn more about PLT activities through weekly attendance. In addition to this PLT activity integration, we have also created special PLT options to expand on this learning and provide additional hands-on training. Participants interested in the Project Learning Tree program, materials, and additional training can opt-in to complete specially designed options to further their naturalist education and stewardship actions. The two options for completing the PLT pathway are: 1) attend the PLT mini-workshop and 2) complete a Project Learning Tree capstone project.
At the completion of the course, individuals who have completed the PLT options, will receive a PLT Educator certificate along with a California Naturalist Certificate and 1)receive a Project Learning Tree K-8 Activity guide with more than 95 activities, 2) be invited to join the CA PLT educator network, 3) have access to the library of online resources and educator tools, 4) be eligible to become a PLT workshop facilitator.
Activity #27: Every Tree For Itself w/ Introductory Class
Students gain an understanding of the conditions that trees need to live ang grow as well as that trees often must compete for their needs
Activity #45: Web of Life w/ Introductory Field trip
Students are introduced to a forest ecosystem and discover ways that plants and animals are connected to each other.
Activity #23: The Fallen Log w/ Geology and Water Field Trip
Students gain an understanding of how decomposition takes place and a better appreciation for the microhabitats and communities.
Activity #48: Field Forest and Stream w/ Geology and Water Field Trip
Students conduct a comparative field study and learn how nonliving elements influence living elements in an ecosystem.
Activity #12: Invasive Species w/ Plants and Animals Field Trip
Students research invasive species to determine how these species got to their new locations and what characteristics make them so challenging.
Activity #77: Trees in Trouble w/ Plants and Animals Field Trip
Students examine trees for signs of damage or poor health and investigate what may have caused the damage.
Activity #81: Living with Fire w/ Fire Ecology Field Trip
Students learn how an understanding of the fire triangle can be used to both prevent and manage wildland fires.
There are several options to obtain the PLT curricular materials. If you select the PLT pathway for this course you will be able to choose a guide that best suits your needs. The options include:
This 3 hour workshop will expand on Project Learning Tree program materials, pedagogy, and provide additional hands-on practice in PLT teaching and learning methods. During this workshop participants will also have time to work on capstone projects and explore current opportunities to engage in outreach efforts of both PLT and CalNat programs.