Course Description:

The Teaching and Learning Outdoors eeCourse is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, tools and resources to take environmental education learning outdoors.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Articulate your case and include at least five research/evidence-based benefits of teaching outdoors.
• Have a working definition and be able to provide examples of what outdoor learning is for you as a teacher. 
• Identify potential barriers for your students and articulate ways to minimize or eliminate those barriers. 
• Identify and assess at least five outdoor learning opportunities for your students. 
• Express the who, what and how of strategies for gaining the necessary support for your short, medium and long term outdoor learning goals and/or projects. 
• Identify strategies for successful outdoor learning which include overall strategies, management of students, adapting for weather and using technology outdoors. 
• Compare and contrast the learning environments of an indoor classroom space and outdoor learning space to more effectively teach outdoors. 
• Complete an outdoor learning plan which includes goals and objectives, getting support, inclusion, classroom management, location(s), curriculum connections, weather, safety and necessary materials and supplies.  

This 10-week course is designed for approx. 12 – 15 hours of active participation and work.

The Teaching and Learning Outdoors course has 5 modules:

• Intro Module: Introduction to Environmental Education through EcoRise and MEEA
• Module 1: Why Teach Outdoors?
• Module 2: What does Outdoor Learning Look Like?
• Module 3: Strategies for Outdoor Learning 
• Module 4: Creating Your Outdoor Learning Plan

15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available through MT OPI to certified teachers upon successful completion of the Teaching and Learning Outdoors course.

Applications are open now, and space is limited for this course. If you are interested in participating, please apply by completing this google form: MEEA Online Course Application

If accepted, the course moderators will contact you with registration instructions.

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and ways of knowing. It is designed as an introductory course, meant to spark your interest in further learning how we can more intentionally and respectfully incorporate traditional ways of knowing into our environmental and outdoor learning programming.

The TEK & EE modules incorporate a variety of readings, videos, and other interactive activities. In the modules, you will: 

• Identify some of the opportunities and challenges in using TEK to address environmental challenges.  
• Develop your personal guidelines for integrating principles of TEK in your teaching which honor, acknowledge and care take TEK and Indigenous people. 
• Compare and Contrast Traditional Ecological Knowledge & Ways of Knowing with Western Science & Ways of Knowing 
• Support your students in developing relationships with the world around them.
• Teach a lesson or a unit which integrates TEK knowledge and/or practices with your students. 
   

This 8-week course is designed for 12-15 hours of active participation and work. The course has five modules, including:

• Intro Module: Get to know MEEA
• Module 1: What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge?
• Module 2: Comparing Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science
• Module 3: Learning Through Observational Science
• Module 4: Designing Your Teaching Plan

15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available through MT OPI to certified teachers upon successful completion of the TEK & EE course.

Applications are open now, and space is limited for this course. If you are interested in participating in the TEK & EE course, please apply by completing this google form: MEEA Online Course Application

If accepted, the course moderators will contact you with registration instructions.

Course Description:

This course provides foundational knowledge of theory, practice, and research on the emerging field of nature-based learning for young children in formal and non-formal settings.

15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available through MT OPI to certified teachers upon successful completion of the Teaching and Learning Outdoors course.

Applications are open now, and space is limited for this course. If you are interested in participating, please apply by completing this google form: MEEA Online Course Application

If accepted, the course moderators will contact you with registration instructions.

Course Description:

This course is designed to teach non-formal educators the basics of climate change, through readings, simulations, and visualizations, and also introduce them to climate change communication strategies.

15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available through MT OPI to certified teachers upon successful completion of the Teaching and Learning Outdoors course.

Applications are open now, and space is limited for this course. If you are interested in participating, please apply by completing this google form: MEEA Online Course Application

If accepted, the course moderators will contact you with registration instructions.

Course Description:

This course addresses issues that are deeply rooted in social justice, environmental justice, climate change, and systemic racism.   

15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available through MT OPI to certified teachers upon successful completion of the Teaching and Learning Outdoors course.

Applications are open now, and space is limited for this course. If you are interested in participating, please apply by completing this google form: MEEA Online Course Application

If accepted, the course moderators will contact you with registration instructions.