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Programs and resources for educators
Programs and resources for educators
Classroom and field trip resources
Explore the many ways to connect your students to nature. From virtual live lessons to in-person field trips to raising real live salmon in your classroom, there are so many ways we can help you get your students outside, or bring the outside in!
Nature Awaits
A joint effort by the governor’s office and the DNR to bring children outdoors to experience Michigan’s state parks. All fourth grade classrooms are eligible for a FREE field trip to select state parks!
Nature at School - virtual lessons
Our education staff will bring relevant science lessons to you from some of Michigan's most amazing places. These 30-minute virtual lessons are provided at no cost to you.
Visitor centers
Hosting fun and educational nature exhibits with access to nearby trails. For those seeking a more engaging educational experience, each center has interpreters leading a variety of programs for school and other groups.
Salmon in the Classroom
Students third grade and up get the opportunity to care for and maintain salmon in their classroom from fall until spring. Follow the lifecycle of salmon from eggs to hatchlings to releasing the young fish. This is a school-year-long commitment.
Wildlife classroom curricula
These lessons and activities have been developed to fit current state standards and help educators incorporate Michigan's wildlife into the classroom.
Field trip ideas
Find great educational opportunities for your class at our visitor centers, hatcheries, Outdoor Adventure Center, Michigan History Museum and more.
Professional development for educators
Academy of Natural Resources
A weeklong academy that offers educators the opportunity to learn about Michigan's diverse natural resources. Education credits and SCECH are available.
Nature Center Summit
A great day of sessions to inform educators at nature centers, zoos, conservation districts and universities about the latest science and policies governing natural resource management.
Project Learning Tree
Provides pre-K-12 educators with training and resources to bring nature into classrooms and students into nature. Use the environment to engage children in learning. Earn SCECH.
Project Wild
A pre-K-12th grade program emphasizing awareness, appreciation and understanding of wildlife and natural resources. Most workshops offer SCECH.
School enrichment
Explore Bowhunting
Designed for educators of students ages 11-17, Explore Bowhunting gives you the skills to teach students how to interact with the natural world by developing basic skills used to bowhunt. Adults and younger students can also benefit from this curriculum.
National Archery in the Schools Program
A national program designed to introduce target archery in fourth-12th grade physical education classes during the school day. This curriculum has been aligned with Michigan's education standards and grade-level expectations.