Using PLT in the New Normal
Did you know that you can adapt many of PLT’s activities to present virtually or assign to your students for independent exploration? “We All Need Trees” is a great example.
Elementary (3-5)
12 Nature Walk Activities for Earth Day (or Any Day!)
Incorporate art, science, geography, and math into your next nature walk to add an educational component to your outdoor exploration. Each nature walk offers something different for children to explore. Here are some activities to make a nature walk this #EarthDay2020 an engaging and enriching learning experience for children of all ages.
Rain Barrels and Lessons About Water
Bookmark these ideas for students to conduct investigations and learn about water conservation, plus tips for how to build your own rain barrel. This story highlights students in Kansas who calculated the amount of water their school uses, and the dollar savings in water bills after they installed rain barrels.
STEM: Sounds Around
Have students discover the birds living in their backyard or on their block by using their sense of hearing with these STEM activities. How many unique bird species can you identify using only their song?
Islandborn
This book is a celebration of diversity, reminding young readers, 5-8 years, that we are living links between the past and the present. What can knowing about your history teach you about your future? Read Islandborn to find out!
Activities to Do With Children at Home
With schools around the world temporarily closing to slow the spread of the Coronavirus disease COVID-19, we’ve assembled this list of (free!) PLT activities that you can do at home—both inside and close-by in a safe space outside.
Earth Day 2021
Celebrate Earth Day with some inspiring stories and resources to help youth learn about sustainability issues, climate science, and the actions they can take.
How Evergreens Provide a Winter Oasis for Wildlife
Evergreens provide food and shelter for animals facing harsh winter conditions. Learn how animals use evergreen trees as food and shelter, and use these ideas to bring your students outdoors in winter and observe wildlife.
Reclaiming Outdoor Space at Soda Creek Elementary School
Learn how two teachers banded their students and local partners together to reclaim their school’s outdoor space and create a peace garden and classroom.
How Plants and Animals Prepare for Winter
As the temperature outside begins to drop, noticeable changes take place all around us. All living things, including humans, must adapt to their environment in order to survive. Let’s take a closer look at how plants and animals prepare for winter.