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.
2023 – 2024 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
Activating Students’ Ideas in Science: Linking Formative Assessment to Instructional Sequence
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
4:30 – 6:30pm
Non-member: $40
Member: $35
Add on a copy of the book for $35
Teachers of Grades K–8
2 hours of CPE
Course Description
Looking for a resource to help cultivate your teaching skills? Come discover ways to guide students’ thinking through instructional next steps with Patrick Brown, the co-author of the new book “Activating Students’ Ideas.” In this hands-on course, we will model research-based instructional sequences to maximize sense-making in the science classroom. Add on a copy of the book for $35.
Making Sense of Earth Cycles and Patterns
Saturday, November 4, 2023
8:30am – 3:30pm
Non-member: $60
Member: $55
Teachers of Grades K–8
3 hours of CPE
Course Description
Discover how to guide student sense-making with data collection. Participants will explore earth and space topics through hands-on investigations that will allow students to identify and use patterns to explain scientific phenomena.
Preparing for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Saturday, February 24, 2024
8:30am – 11:30am
Non-member: $60
Member: $55
Teachers of Grades K-8
3 hours of CPE
Course Description
On April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse will cross North America – and Dallas is in the path of totality! Come discover ways to engage your students in eclipse science with Dr. Jeffrey Bennet, astrophysicist, educator and author of the award-winning book TOTALITY! An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science. Participants will explore the science behind eclipses through hands-on activities and learn how to safely view the upcoming eclipse with students. Registration includes a copy of the book.
Making Sense of Structure and Function
Saturday, March 23, 2024
8:30am – 3:30pm
Non-member: $60
Member: $55
Teachers of Grades K-8
3 hours of CPE
Course Description
Join us to explore structure and function through hands-on investigations that will allow students to identify and use patterns to explain scientific phenomena. Participants will also apply their understanding of structure and function in plants and animals to design solutions to problems using the engineering design process.
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! View our Outdoor Classroom Support options here. Email education@dallasarboretum.org to inquire about scheduling.
2023-2024 Online Asynchronous Programs
Bookworms: Unseen City
Educators of Grades K – 6
3 hours of CPE
Online: Asynchronous
May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024
Non-member: $30
Member: $25
Course Description
Information:
Online course content will be available for completion at your own pace May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024. You can register for this course up to May 1, 2024. 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:
No matter where we live, we walk, ride and drive by natural wonders every day. Join this session and learn how to connect the natural world your students experience daily to the concepts in your grade level’s science TEKS. The session will be guided by readings from Nathanael Johnson’s book, Unseen City.
The book is NOT included with registration. Please obtain your own copy to read and reference throughout the workshop. Who knew a fun summer read could also inform your instruction?
Take Science Outside!
Educators of Grades K – 6
3 hours of CPE
Online: Asynchronous
May 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023
Non-member: $30
Member: $25
Course Description
Information:
Online course content will be available for completion at your own pace May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024. You can register for this course up to May 1, 2023. 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.