Project Learning Tree

Article summary

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an environmental education program for teaching children about trees and forests using hands-on activities. It was created in 1976, after the passage of the first National Environmental Education Act in 1970 and celebration of the first Earth Day in 1970, raised the profile of environmental education in the United States. It was the first of several "Project" environmental education programs developed around that time, and still in use in the 21st century, that use aspects of the environment to teach broader subjects and skills. Project Wild, which uses wildlife as its focus, was conceived in 1979 and launched in 1983. Project Wet began in 1984 with a focus on water. PLT's curricula and programs "use the forest as a window on the world to increase students understanding of our environment; stimulate students' critical and creative thinking [skills]; develop students ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill in students the commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment." PLT provides professional development to educators. More than half a million educators have attended workshops to learn how to use PLT materials since 1976 in the U.S. and U.S. Territories, Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, Sweden, Slovakia, Ukraine, China, Finland, Brazil, Jordan, and the Philippines.…

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