Professional Learning at the Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum provides year-round CPE credit opportunities for educators who want to get their students outside of the classroom by building academic connections to the world around them through garden-based learning experiences.
We are excited to offer both in-person and online professional learning experiences to keep you connected to the garden and growing as an educator. All sessions include TEA-approved Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit. Custom workshops available upon request.
Contact education@dallasarboretum.org with any questions.
2024 – 2025 Professional Learning
In-person at the Dallas Arboretum
Learning is more fun with a colleague, each ticket allows you to bring a colleague for free
Registration includes complimentary parking for one car
Rooted in Inquiry: Hands-On Science with Hydroponics
June 30, 2025 | 9am-3pm
Discover how classroom hydroponics and composting can spark student curiosity and deepen learning in science, math, and environmental studies. In this hands-on session, educators will explore hydroponic towers, compare plant growth in soil and soilless systems, and engage in classroom composting strategies. You’ll leave with adaptable lesson ideas, data collection tools, and ready-to-use activities that promote inquiry, sustainability, and cross-curricular connections.
The session also includes an exclusive educator field trip to Big Tex Urban Farms—a mobile agriculture initiative located in the heart of Fair Park. Big Tex Urban Farms provides fresh produce to the surrounding South Dallas community, an area designated as a food desert. This visit will offer valuable insight into real-world applications of hydroponics, community impact, and food access—ideas you can carry back to your students to inspire deeper learning and social awareness
Engineering Sustainable Solutions: Hands-On STEM for Real-World Impact
July 1, 2025 | 9am-3pm
Prepare students to think critically and creatively as they design solutions for a more sustainable world. In this hands-on professional learning session, educators will explore how to connect trade books with STEM design challenges that promote real-world problem-solving and environmental awareness. Participants will engage in immersive, hands-on activities—such as engineering animal crossings to support wildlife and investigating the vital role of Texas Native Wetlands in sustaining ecosystems. Discover how this rich natural environment can serve as both inspiration and context for sustainability-focused design challenges. Educators will leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready resources, and a renewed vision for empowering students as environmental stewards and innovative thinkers for a sustainable future.
Outdoor Classroom Support
The Dallas Arboretum may be the city’s best outdoor classroom, but we also specialize in supporting your outdoor learning initiatives on campus! Let us partner with you to get the most out of your garden or outdoor learning space. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/education/professional-learning for more details about available options and pricing. Email education@dallasarboretum.org to inquire about scheduling.
2024-2025 Online Asynchronous Programs
Take Science Outside!
Educators of Grades K – 6
3 hours of CPE
Online: Asynchronous
May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025
Non-member: $30
Member: $25
Course Description
Information:
Online course content will be available for completion at your own pace May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025. You can register for this course up to May 1, 2025. The course will take approximately 3 hours to complete.
Registration includes 2 complimentary general admission tickets to the Dallas Arboretum! Teachers always receive FREE general admission so share these tickets with your guests. Tickets valid 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.
Description:
Create some green time for your students! Join this session to explore simple, easy-to-implement ideas for engaging your students in science activities outside. Emphasis will be placed on using materials that are easy to find, both at home and at school. Topics include life cycles, structure and function, interdependence and forms of energy.
Education at the Arboretum
Education is key cornerstone of the mission of the Arboretum. See what programs we offer.