Youth outdoors in the forest looking at a clipboard

Best of STEM Strategies

First launched in 2013, PLT had the opportunity to partner with Dr. Kris Irwin to author a total of 30 STEM Strategies that supplement activities within various PLT curriculum guides, including the Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide. As Dr. Irwin plans for his retirement in early 2024, we are excited to share his favorite STEM Strategies from over the years.

hummingbird in a tree

Hands-On Pollinator Activities for Preschoolers

Young learners often focus on bees when learning about pollinators, but it’s important to introduce them to the diverse range of pollinators supporting our ecosystems. From birds to bats, butterflies to moths, there’s much to learn. Engaging activities like scavenger hunts, bee baths, and pollinator-themed crafts help them understand the vital role of these creatures and the importance of conserving their habitats. Explore how you can enhance activities and learnings with PLT!

pile of sticks in a forest

17 Creative STEM Activities Using Sticks for the Classroom 

Sticks are a versatile and cost-free resource that offers endless possibilities for engaging in STEM activities. Enlist the help of your students to gather sticks, then explore a variety of fun, hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity!

Celebrating National Park Week

April 17 – 25, 2021 is National Park Week! Celebrate this annual week-long celebration by teaching your students about public lands and the many contributions of Black Americans to the National Parks System, and encouraging the exploration of these culturally and historically significant areas.

Hands-on Activities & Advice for New Environmental Educators

Explore PLT resources to help you teach students about the environment, whether you’re new to teaching or looking for new environmental education resources to explore! PLT provides easy-to-teach, hands-on activities suitable for various settings, and a range of resources to support and mentor new educators.

Little girl looking through binoculars

Winter Break Family Outdoor Advent-ure Calendar

With winter break just around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of fun outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Unravel two weeks’ worth of advent-ures from nature-based gifts to identifying animal tracks!

Young boy wearing a red coat, white shirt, blue jeans, and white lace up sneakers running through a lush green forest holding a journal

My Forest is Green

Follow along a curious young boy who explores the urban forest near his home and describes the shapes, textures, and colors of the plants and animals that live there and encourages young children to observe and appreciate the nature around them.