This online workshop introduces formal and nonformal educators to Project Learning Tree’s (PLT) GreenSchools Investigations and program, and helps educators prepare for facilitating student-led action projects. The online workshop is comprised of nine coursels (each a 20-30 minute self-directed multimedia learning experience) that can be completed anytime, anywhere with an Internet connection. Coursels include videos of interviews with students and educators; connections to supporting online resources including PLT activities and USFS resources; and opportunities for planning how to form a student-led Green Team, conduct an investigation, implement an action plan, and celebrate student success. Educators also receive access to a web-based version of PLT’s GreenSchools Investigations.

Workshop Outcomes: 
Educators who participate in this online workshop are able to:

• Approach learning and teaching from an ecological and multi-disciplinary perspective;
• Use PLT and USFS materials and incorporate PLT GreenSchools into their current and future lesson plans and curriculum;
• Demonstrate increased confidence in teaching environmental education concepts and principles of service learning;
• Demonstrate enriched knowledge of content included in PLT GreenSchools Investigations;
• Connect with other professionals in their region interested in environmental education;
• Feel excited and motivated when learning about environmental education;
• Use PLT GreenSchools to meet the needs of diverse audiences; and
• Demonstrate confidence in their school taking the steps needed to become a PLT GreenSchool.

Workshop Agenda:
This online workshop includes the following components:

• Welcome Letter from National PLT (5 minutes)
  • A document providing an overview of the online workshop and contact information for appropriate PLT State Coordinator
• Troubleshooting FAQs (5 minutes)
  • A document providing solutions to commonly asked technical questions
• Features of a Coursel (5 minutes)
  • A document showing the interactive features of each coursel user interface
• Welcome to Project Learning Tree! (30 minutes)
  • In this coursel, discover the benefits of Project Learning Tree and how we have been helping students and educators for 40 years! Our positive impact lies in our award-winning supplemental curriculum materials, our extensive network, and our hands-on professional development experiences. A worksheet is provided to guide your learning.
• A Path Forward (30 minutes)
  • In this coursel, you will discover the many ways to stay connected with PLT after this online workshop has ended. We highlight ways you can get additional resources, grants, and support, as well as information about PLT's GreenSchools program. A worksheet is provided to guide your learning.
• PLT GreenSchools:  An Introduction (30 minutes)
  • In this coursel, discover PLT’s GreenSchools program and what it means to be a GreenSchool. Take a look at some of the impacts students are making all across the country, from butterfly gardens toenergy savings
• Getting Started with GreenSchools (30 minutes)
  • In this coursel, learn the basics for starting your own GreenSchools program, from recruiting members for your Green Team to including important stakeholders and building your network in your school, community, and around the country. 
• Energy Investigation:  PLT GreenSchools in Action (30 minutes)
  • This coursel explores the Energy investigation, and provides tips for obtaining equipment and collecting data. Also, discover ideas for action projects by reviewing what other students have done to make a positive impact at their school.
• School Site Investigation:  PLT GreenSchools in Action (30 minutes)
  • This coursel explores the School Site investigation, and provides tips for obtaining equipment and collecting data. Also, discover ideas for action projects by reviewing what other students have done to make a positive impact at their school.
• Waste & Recycling Investigation:  PLT GreenSchools in Action (30 minutes)
  • This coursel explores the Waste & Recycling investigation, and provides tips for obtaining equipment and collecting data. Also, discover ideas for action projects by reviewing what other students have done to make a positive impact at their school.
• Water Investigation:  PLT GreenSchools in Action (30 minutes)
  • This coursel explores the Water investigation, and provides tips for obtaining equipment and collecting data. Also, discover ideas for action projects by reviewing what other students have done to make a positive impact at their school.
• Environmental Quality Investigation:  PLT GreenSchools in Action (30 minutes)
  • This coursel explores the Environmental Quality investigation, and provides tips for obtaining equipment and collecting data. Also, discover ideas for action projects by reviewing what other students have done to make a positive impact at their school.
• Taking Action with PLT GreenSchools (30 minutes)
  • In this coursel, identify next steps for conducting an action project based on the data your students will collect from the investigations. Consider how you can empower students to lead and make a positive impact on their school and community.
• Measuring Impacts and Celebrating Successes (30 minutes)
  • In this coursel, discover the path to certification and the many ways your GreenSchools program can be recognized for achieving its goals. Also, get ideas about celebrating with your students, school, and community!
• PLT Online Workshop Evaluation Survey (optional) (5 minutes)
  • A survey requesting feedback about the educator’s online workshop experience

Educators who complete the online workshop receive a certificate of completion.
Access never expires to this workshop and the web-based version of PLT’s GreenSchools Investigations.
Note:  Most of PLT’s partners at the state-level have added additional state-specific content and optional learning activities in order to offer a customized learning experience that meets the needs of educators in their state.